What is the purpose of a health literacy assessment in nursing practice?

The purpose of a health literacy assessment in nursing practice is to evaluate a patient's ability to understand health information. Health literacy refers to an individual's capacity to obtain, process, and comprehend basic health-related information and services needed to make informed health decisions. By assessing health literacy, nurses can identify how well patients can understand medication instructions, follow treatment plans, and navigate the healthcare system.

This assessment is vital because patients with low health literacy may struggle to adhere to medical advice, manage chronic conditions, or recognize when they need help, which can lead to poor health outcomes. By evaluating a patient's understanding of health information, nurses can tailor their communication strategies, provide appropriate educational materials, and ensure that patients are equipped with the knowledge needed to manage their health effectively.

In contrast, determining a patient's level of education, predicting future health outcomes, or assessing socioeconomic status may provide useful context, but they do not directly address how well a patient can understand and use health information in their care.