How can health professionals offer assistance to improve health literacy?

Health professionals can significantly improve health literacy by engaging in teach-back methods. This approach involves asking patients to explain back what they have understood after receiving information. It ensures that the communication has been effective and that the patient not only hears the information but comprehends it.

By utilizing teach-back, health professionals provide a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions and clarifying doubts, leading to a better understanding of their health, treatment options, and self-management. This method promotes active participation from patients, reinforcing their learning and empowering them to take charge of their health.

In contrast, avoiding patient questions, providing dense medical literature, or limiting contact with patients would likely hinder understanding and create barriers to effective communication. Such practices may leave patients confused and disengaged, which is counterproductive to improving health literacy.