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Delivery of health services is determined by level of patients’ participation, the design, and mission of health care organizations. Health literacy is an individual’s ability to : access, understand, process, and implement health information received. Transitioning health education to empowerment of the patient to take initiative in health needs and walking alongside patients to assist in navigating information concerning acute and chronic diseases (Palumbo et al., 2019). Discussing the role and function of each health care organization and team member, paired with discussing how to navigate the resources allow patients to be self-sufficient in health care. Health literacy has an impact on overall health and wellness, and impacts health views, perceptions of interventions and influence health choices(Palumbo et al., 2019).
It is the responsibility of all health care professionals to communicate clearly and in plain language to patients and those with limited knowledge (Palumbo et al., 2019). Using plain language that is more understandable to all people and not just medical personnel will help to increase overall health understanding and decrease the gap in health literacy (Palumbo et al., 2019). People who receive accurate, easy to understand information about health topics, including nutrition and weight management, are more likely to take action and promote their own health and wellness (Palumbo et al., 2019). Difficult to understand information should be broken down into smaller chunks so that it is easier for patients to understand along with providing literature that is consistent with the patient’s reading level and language, will also help to increase further understanding and knowledge (Palumbo et al., 2019).