Health Literacy

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has information for consumers and patients and guidance for the clinical setting that relates to health literacy issues.

Consumer Materials

Easy-to-read materials in English and Spanish on many topics, including planning for surgery, preventing medical errors, and using prescriptions safely.

Go to: http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/

Evidence-based Clinical Practice

Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 43: Making Health Care Safer: A Critical Analysis of Patient Safety Practices (Chapter 48: Procedures For Obtaining Informed Consent). Reviews research on the patient's provision of adequate informed consent.

Go to: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/ptsafety/chap48.htm

Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 87: Literacy and Health Outcomes. Examines whether literacy skills relate to the use of health care services, health outcomes, costs of health care, and disparities, and what interventions are effective.

Go to: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/tp/littp.htm

Tools

Research Activities, June 2005:
Developing an illustrated version of the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans (CAHPS®)

Research Activities, May 2004:
A user-friendly computer touchscreen enables low literacy cancer patients to more accurately report quality of life outcomes

Health Literacy and Cultural Competency Browse

A listing of information products and research findings specific to health literacy and cultural and linguistic competency.

Go to: http://www.ahrq.gov/browse/hlitix.htm

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