David W. Baker
The meaning and the measure of health literacy
Northwestern University
health literacy complicated construct depends individual capacity communicate demands posed society health care system comprehensive tests needed understand gap capacities current demands help guide efforts educate children adults health issues develop healthrelated information general public understand research new instruments needed measure individuals reading fluency precisely without posing undue response burden computerassisted testing selects items bank possible items according baselinepredicted reading ability responses previous questions allow accurate measurement indiidual capacity without increasing time required complete testing remains unclear whether possible develop accurate practical screening test identify individuals limited health literacy even goal achieved remains unclear whether better screen patients adopt universal precautions avoid miscommunication using plain language oral written communication confirming understanding patients repeat back understanding diagnosis treatment plan george bernard shaw said main problem communication assumption occurred universal truth transcends reading ability