Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has introduced updated definitions of health literacy under the Healthy People 2030 framework. These revised definitions distinguish between personal health literacy and organizational health literacy. Personal health literacy is defined as the degree to which individuals can find, understand, and use information and services to make health-related decisions for themselves and others. Organizational health literacy refers to how organizations equitably enable individuals to locate, comprehend, and use health information to inform decisions and actions.
This change marks a shift from earlier Healthy People 2010 and 2020 definitions, emphasizing effective use of information and well-informed decisions. The new definitions also add a public health perspective and recognize organizational responsibility in addressing health literacy challenges.
Health literacy is a complex phenomenon involving individuals, families, communities, and systems. It includes various skills such as reading, understanding, analyzing information, decoding instructions, and assessing risks and benefits to make health decisions and take actions. The concept also incorporates environmental and systemic factors related to disease prevention and health promotion.
Research highlighted by HHS indicates that misunderstanding health information should not be attributed solely to individuals, as even highly educated people may struggle, particularly with complex or emotionally charged topics. Health professionals generally aim to communicate accurate information, but patients may hesitate to clarify misunderstandings. Healthcare organizations and their systems play a crucial role in facilitating understanding. Distinguishing evidence-based information from misleading content is increasingly challenging, especially online. Effectively communicating risk remains difficult for both providers and patients.