Building the case for improved health literacy in gastrointestinal rehabilitation

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the issues associated with health literacy in chronic gastrointestinal disease, highlighting the impact of low health literacy in gastrointestinal rehabilitation.

Background: Living with a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can be a very challenging, requiring a range of skills to deal with some of the issues and uncertainties associated with living with a chronic illness, including health literacy. Currently, the full impact of low health literacy in gastrointestinal rehabilitation is unknown.

Method: A narrative literature review was conducted to provide a comprehensive, critical, and objective overview of health literacy in clinical gastroenterology.

Results: Health literacy interventions have been shown to have the potential to improve health outcomes in a range of conditions. Within health care systems, improving health literacy may enhance clinical practice and patient education. Health literacy can be best improved through structured, theory and evidence-informed educational programmes, or similarly designed on-line learning resources. In particular, eHealth interventions would appear to have good potential to improve health literacy skills for those in rehabilitation. In addition, development of eHealth interventions may also help reduce socio-economic inequalities in healthcare.

Conclusion: Health literacy is a critical, but often overlooked, skillset that can enhance the patient experience. It is believed that greater attention to health literacy in gastroenterology, in particular eHealth interventions, may have a positive impact on gastrointestinal rehabilitation. In support of building the case for enhancing health literacy in gastroenterology, healthcare professionals should strive to improve health literacy in their patients.