Dissecting the Multiple Layers of Health Literacy

When we say health literacy what do we really mean? Our choice of language and the titles we attribute to people is multilayered. Lisa Stewart dissects ways we can approach communication with a spirit of respect and compassion which allows us to understand each other better and mitigate bias. This helps us realize that literacy is a responsibility of all parties involved. We can discover more specific terms that adequately explain what we mean such as structural or social determinants of health literacy. Listen as Lisa illustrates the type of health care environment that she envisions that would encourage patients to feel supported when asking questions, provide hands on opportunities to learn about how the body works and allows providers the resources and time to connect with patients.