James G. Dolan|Olena A. Cherkasky|Qinghua Li|Nancy P. Chin|Peter J. Veazie
Should Health Numeracy Be Assessed Objectively or Subjectively?
University of Rochester|RTI International|University of Rochester|RTI International|University of Rochester|RTI International|University of Rochester|RTI International|University of Rochester|RTI International
introduction current evidence suggests numeracy affects people make decisions important factor account studies assessing effectiveness medical decision support interventions subjective objective numeracy assessment methods available vary theoretical background skills assessed known relationship decision making skills ease implementation best way use tools assess numeracy conducting medical decisionmaking research currently unknown methods conducted internet surveys comparing numeracy assessments obtained using subjective numeracy scale sns 5 objective numeracy scales study participant completed sns 1 objective numeracy measure following assessment participants indicated willingness repeat assessment rated user acceptability results overall response rate 78 resulting total sample size 673 spearman correlations sns objective numeracy measures ranged 019 044 acceptability assessments short form numeracy understanding medicine instrument sns differ significantly objective scales lower acceptability ratings sns conclusions findings consistent prior research suggesting objective subjective numeracy scales measure related distinct constructs due current uncertainty regarding construct likely influence effectiveness decision support interventions findings warrant investigation determine proper use objective versus subjective numeracy assessments medical decisionmaking research pending additional information reasonable approach measure objective subjective numeracy full range actual perceived numeracy skills taken account