Prospective Evaluation of Health Literacy and Its Impact on Outcomes in Emergency General Surgery

Effect of health literacy and socioeconomic deprivation on outcomes after lower limb surgical revascularisation for chronic limb-threatening ischaemia: the HeaLTHI study

“…For example, patients with poor health literacy spent a longer time in the hospital following major abdominal surgery and suffered from an increased risk of complications such as surgical site infections and, when they were discharged, they had decreased compliance with discharge instructions including medication compliance and wound/drain care. [40][41][42] Social deprivation combined with reduced health literacy can be linked with an increased display of poor lifestyle behaviours including smoking, poor diet and inadequate physical activity leading to poorer health outcomes. This could be particularly true in patients with PAD as their socioeconomic status is likely to influence their health behaviours such as smoking, poor diet and physical activity, which are common risk factors for PAD and amputation.…”

Racial disparities in the utilization of parathyroidectomy among patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: Evidence from a nationwide analysis of Medicare claims

“…Racial and ethnic minorities and people of lower SES are more likely to have poor access to care even when insured, which occurs when they do not: (1) establish consistent primary care; (2) have coverage for appropriate referral services in accessible locations; or (3) receive the same quality of health care as non-minority patients. 35,36 Additional barriers faced by non-White and low SES patients include lower levels of health literacy 37 and decreased access to self-education materials, 38 social workers, and resources necessary for care, such as transportation and housing. 39 Many primary care physicians may not be aware of operative guidelines for the management of PHPT and, as such, may not effectively communicate the benefits of parathyroidectomy to patients.…”

Readability of Patient Education Materials From the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Website: An Opportunity to Improve Health Care Access and Quality

“…4 Furthermore, low health literacy is a major driver of health disparities and has tangible effects on patient safety, compliance, and outcomes. 5…”

“…4 Furthermore, low health literacy is a major driver of health disparities and has tangible effects on patient safety, compliance, and outcomes. 5 Reading grade level and language accessibility are key components of health literacy. Any gap between the reading grade level of a patient and that of educational materials leads to suboptimal comprehension, limiting the ability of a patient to make appropriate health decisions and navigate the health care environment.…”