The report defines a health literate healthcare organization as one that makes it easier for people to navigate, understand and use information and services to take care of their health. The 10 attributes are not an exhaustive list, but can guide healthcare organizations in becoming health literate, according to the report.
According to the report, a health literate organization:
1. Has leadership that makes health literacy integral to its mission, structure and operations.
2. Integrates health literacy into planning, evaluation measures, patient safety and quality improvement.
3. Prepares the workforce to be health literate and monitors progress.
4. Includes populations served in the design, implementation and evaluation of health information and services.
5. Meets the needs of populations with a range of health literacy skills while avoiding stigmatization.
6. Uses health literacy strategies in interpersonal communications and confirms understanding at all points of contact.
7. Provides easy access to health information and services and navigation assistance.
8. Designs and distributes print, audiovisual and social media content that is easy to understand and act on.
9. Addresses health literacy in high-risk situations, including care transitions and communications about medicines.
10. Communicates clearly what health plans cover and what individuals will have to pay for services.
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