However, both conceptualizations of health literacy are
important. The US ‘‘risk’’ concept reflects recognition of the
impact that low literacy can have on the effectiveness of clinical
care.As a consequence of thiswork the actions being taken
to improve the sensitivity of clinicians and servicemanagers to
the effects of low literacy on health decision-making and
compliancewillhelptominimize the disadvantage suffered by
individuals with low literacy. This represents important
progress in addressing a source of disadvantage and inequity
in the health care system, and suggests that the improvements
in patient education and management being achieved in the
US should be migrated widely.