Integrating Literacy, Culture, and Language to Improve Health
Care Quality for Diverse Populations Authors: Andrulis, Dennis
P.; Brach, Cindy Source: American Journal of Health Behavior,
Volume 31, Supplement 1, August 2007 , pp. S122-S133(12)
Publisher: PNG Publications Abstract:Objective: To understand
the interrelationship of literacy, culture, and language and the
importance of addressing their intersection.Methods: Health
literacy, cultural competence, and linguistic competence
strategies to quality improvement were analyzed.Results:
Strategies to improve health literacy for low-literate
individuals are distinct from strategies for culturally diverse
and individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). The lack
of integration results in health care that is unresponsive to
some vulnerable groups' needs. A vision for integrated care is
presented.Conclusion: Clinicians, the health care team, and
health care organizations have important roles to play in
addressing challenges related to literacy, culture,