Empowering Sustainable Healthcare: The Role of Health Literacy

Abstract

The imperative of sustainability in healthcare is becoming more pressing due to global health crises, climate change, and the rising burden of chronic diseases. Sustainability in healthcare involves social, economic, and environmental dimensions, each important for equitable and robust healthcare delivery. Health literacy may play a central role in embracing all three dimensions, bridging the gap between complex health information and individuals’ capability to understand and use it effectively: In fact, as a factor influencing the link between adverse social and economic conditions and subsequent health issues, health literacy could represent a practical target for mitigating health disparities within various demographic groups, thereby enhancing social sustainability. Furthermore, when people possess a solid understanding of their health conditions and the necessary steps for health management, they can contribute to a reduction in generated healthcare costs. Finally, health literacy and environmental health literacy equips individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills to understand how environmental factors affect health and empowers them to take proactive measures to protect the environment, potentially reducing the environmental impact of healthcare services. Therefore, integrating health literacy into education curricula and healthcare professional training is crucial for promoting sustainability. Despite some known barriers to the advancement and improvement of health literacy, such as limited awareness of its importance, the collaboration between academia, healthcare institutions, and community organizations is a path to follow to overcome these challenges.