Pathfinder: 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 199: Health Literacy Interventions and 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/lituptp.htm

Program Brief

Summarizes research findings and research in progress for improving health literacy as it pertains to prevention, healthy living, chronic disease management, patient-centered health care, cultural competence, and health disparities.

Go to: http://www.ahrq.gov/research/healthlit.htm

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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