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Open Access 01-04-2017 | Original Article

Health literacy of patients admitted for elective surgery

Authors: E. S. Koster, A. Schmidt, D. Philbert, E. M. W. van de Garde, M. L. Bouvy

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 2/2017

Abstract

Aim

Patients with limited health literacy have poorer surgical outcomes. However, current studies assessing the prevalence of limited health literacy in patients expecting surgery are small scale. We aimed to provide insight into the health literacy level of patients undergoing planned surgery.

Subject and Methods

Patients aged ≥18 years visiting the preoperative screening department were approached in the waiting area and invited to participate in a brief interview including the Functional Communicative Critical Health Literacy (FCCHL).

Results

In total, 225 patients (84.9% response) were studied. Based on the FCCHL, 37.3% of the patients were classified as having limited health literacy. The mean score in the critical domain (2.7 ± 0.9) was lower than scores in the functional (3.3 ± 0.6) and communicative (3.3 ± 0.6) domains.

Conclusion

More than one third of the patients admitted to the hospital for surgery had limited health literacy. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the different health literacy levels and tailor their information provision strategies accordingly.

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Title: Health literacy of patients admitted for elective surgery
Authors: E. S. Koster
A. Schmidt
D. Philbert
E. M. W. van de Garde
M. L. Bouvy
Publication date: 01-04-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-016-0774-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Health literacy of patients admitted for elective surgery

Abstract

Aim

Subject and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subject and Methods

Results

Conclusion

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