The conceptualization of health literacy as an ‘‘asset’’
offers great promise in terms of potential impact on health
and the range of actions it may enable. The potential of
health education as a tool that enables action on the social
determinants of health has been somewhat neglected
(Nutbeam, 2000). This conceptualization of health literacy
can help to bring it back to life. In addition, the ‘‘asset’’
concept lends itself to a broader application outside of
health care settings, for example into schools, adult
learning, and community development programs.
However, the concept is less well tested through systematic
research. In the absence of better-developed measures and
quality research and evaluation, the ‘‘asset’’ model remains
a powerful idea, but not one that is yet established as
practical for widespread implementation. Systematic
research is needed to develop the empirical basis for the
concept, lest the advocacy for this model exceeds the
evidence for its adoption.