In a study of more than 3,000 people age 65 and older, researchers found those who can not understand basic health informaiton were more likely to die within 6 years than those who can. Twenty-five percent of those studied were considered to have “inadequate” health literacy determined by their ability to read and understand things such as appointment slips, prescription labels, and basic instructions such as how to prepare for an x-ray.

During the study period, 40% of those with inadequate literacy and another 29% of those with “marginal” literacy died. In contrast only 19% of those who were deemed to have “adequate literacy” died. Researchers concluded that patients whose literacy is inadequate are 50% more likely to die than patients who can better understand health care materials. Reading fluency independently predicted mortality and cardiovascular death among older adults living in the community.

Patient education is a large portion of our role as nurses. VP Medical Consulting is committed to educating the public about how to better manage your own medical care and to help others understand complex heathcare issues. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

*Nursing 2007