The Role of Health Literacy
in Patient-Physician Communication
Poor health literacy is common,
especially among elderly patients.
More than 33% of patients ages 65 and older have inadequate or
marginal health literacy, as do up to 80% of patientsin public hospitalsettings. Patientswith poor health
literacy have a complex array of communication difficulties, which may affect health outcomes. Such
patientsreport worse health status and have less understanding about their medical conditions and treatment;
they may have increased hospitalization rates. Professional and public awareness of the health
literacy issue must be increased, beginning with education of medical students and physicians and improved
patient-physician communication skills.