Investigate the crucial importance and relationship of health literacy to effective communication in a culturally diverse healthcare environment

    HEA230 Cultural Competence in
    Healthcare
    Module 2: Effective communication
    Introduction
    This module considers the ways knowledge and communication interact in a healthcare
    environment. The key components of health literacy are examined, and
    there is some
    exploration about some of the influences on effective communication during a healthcare
    encounter. It will become clear that health literacy extends far beyond being able to read
    about health and disease, as it encompasses cultural and conce
    ptual knowledge,
    assumptions and language amongst many other factors. The communication skills required
    of health professionals also must address language and culture, and should aim specifically
    to reduce disparities in access to quality health care. In
    the third topic of this module attention
    is paid to the role of interpreters, and some ways to make the most of this important human
    resource are
    considered.
    Learning outcomes
    On completion of this module you will be able to:
    1.
    Evaluate the key components o
    f health literacy and the links and relationship
    to safe and effective healthcare;
    2.
    Investigate the key components of health communication and the links and
    relationship to safe and effective healthcare;
    3.
    Ascertain the need, rationale and best practice for orking with interpreters
    .
    HEA230
    Module
    2
    Page
    2
    Topic 1: Health literacy
    In Module 1 the impact of diverse cultural values and beliefs on work practice and the
    challenges met in cross

    cultural work environments were considered
    . In this topic some of
    the key components of health literacy
    are identified
    ,
    and discussed how it has been
    recognised
    as an important influence on the safety and quality of health care.
    The views of
    several authors whose work aims to broaden the scope of health literacy to include factors
    other than a pat
    ient’s or consumer’s ability to read about health are taken into account, and
    an emphasis is placed on the cultural basis of health care delivery, including the recognition
    that health communication is an interactive process.
    As you read, you will note th
    at there
    is considerable variation in the ways ‘health literacy’
    has
    been
    conceptualised and applied
    in the literature
    .
    Key areas of difference relate to whether
    health literacy is considered to be an individual

    level construct or incorporates factors bey
    ond
    the individual, and whether health literacy level is considered static or dynamic
    (Berkman,
    Davis, & McCormack, 2010)
    . Health literacy has also been defined as a set of skills, or more
    broadly as a theory of behaviour change [5], or as a form of social
    practice [6].
    Early definitions (and assessment tools) were confined to the ability of consumers or patients
    to access print

    based information. However, most definitions now recognise health literacy
    as more than general literacy skills. For example,
    Th
    e Calgary Charter on Health Literacy
    (2011) includes:
    reading, writing, listening, speaking, numeracy, and critical analysis, as well
    as communication and interaction skills
    (Coleman et al., 2011, p. 1)
    .
    The ability to navigate
    health services is also inc
    luded in some health literacy frameworks.
    Further:
    “Improving health literacy can contribute to more informed choices, reduced health risks,
    increased prevention and wellness, better navigation of the health system, improved patient
    safety, better patient
    care, fewer inequities in health, and improved quality of life”
    (Coleman et
    al., 2011, p. 2)

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