A nurses eye-view on the aspects of adult patients' health literacy

Abstract

Objective: Currently, health literacy is a hot topic worldwide. It is important for all age groups, for every individual and for society as a whole. Health literacy refers to the ability to obtain, understand and use information related to health and healthcare. The aim of the study was to identify problems related to health literacy that patients encounter in the context of their own healthcare and at the same time clarify the views of nurses on the education and health literacy of older patients. Design: Qualitative research using the technique of semi-structured interviews. Participants: Interviews were conducted with 10 senior healthcare workers (9 women, 1 man) from four healthcare facilities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The average age of the participants was 48 years (SD = 6.65, median 47, range 38 - 60). Methods: The method of content analysis was used to analyze the obtained data. The obtained data were processed based on the analysis using open and thematic coding and categorization. Results and conclusion: Barriers and strategies used by patients in managing their health were identified. These barriers and strategies were grouped into three themes and nine categories. Health literacy screening in a clinical care environment would not only be a beneficial tool in the care of elderly patients. Healthcare managers and senior healthcare workers should develop strategies to create environments and resources supportive of health literacy interventions.