Odette Wegwarth|Gerd Gigerenzer
Improving Evidence-Based Practices Through Health Literacy—Reply
Max Planck Institute for Human Development|Max Planck Institute for Human Development
editor research findings wegwarth gigerenzer 1 sober reminder need better communication clinicians patients appropriateness testing interpretation resultsthe inquiries health literacy demonstrated poor health outcome mismatch patient skills required interpretation health information demands clinicians health care system imposed patients 2when demands exceed requisite skills patients may feel overwhelmed retreat silence stop actively participating carehealth literacy limited fundamental skills reading writing speaking numeracy simplifying health information although part itit continuum multidimensional skill sets competencies acquired lifetime allows individual access participate make informed decisions directly indirectly affect healthstudies shown even high fundamental literacy skills poor health literacy half us adults able effectively use written material accomplish healthrelated tasks 3 practice medicine dynamic constant shifts diagnostic treatment paradigmsthe exponential growth medical knowledge adds complexity medical care concern physicians difficulties accurately interpreting translating evidence clinical practiceprevious studies shown physicians poor comprehension concepts used medical literature difficulty understanding reported numbers eg results apply practice 4in one study physicians asked determine probability someone tests positive fecal occult blood test colon cancer given values prevalence disease sensitivity specificity test 5the answers ranged 1 99this lack numeracy skills clearly negative public health impactit time pay greater attention health literacy demands physicians patients take steps enhancing medical education improve physician knowledge improve communication patientswe also need raise standards secondary education individuals better scientific literacy skills comprehend cognitive process physicians apply medical knowledge clinical situations