The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
Vol. 40 No. 7 July 2009
By Angela Jukkala, PhD, RN; Joy P. Deupree, MSN, APRN-BC; Shannon Graham, MSN, RN
BACKGROUND
Health care providers’ awareness and knowledge of the impact that limited health literacy has on the health care system and the individual patient was measured. In addition, the usefulness of the Limited Literacy Impact Measure (LLIM) was examined.
METHODS
Two hundred forty providers and students attending a university-sponsored presentation on health literacy were invited to participate.
RESULTS
Participants were most knowledgeable about the impact on patients and less knowledgeable about the impact on the health care system.
CONCLUSIONS
Health care provider knowledge and awareness of limited health literacy continues to be a challenge. Educational programs developed for providers and patients are needed to address the health literacy crisis. Improving health literacy will improve health outcomes while reducing the use of unnecessary health care services.
J Contin Educ Nurs 2009;40(7):298-302.
AUTHORS
Dr. Jukkala is Assistant Professor and Ms. Deupree is Assistant Dean, University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Nursing, Birmingham, Alabama. Ms. Graham is Advanced Nursing Coordinator for Professional Nursing Practice and Magnet Program Director, University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Angela Jukkala, PhD, RN, University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Nursing, Department of Community Health, Outcomes and Systems, 312 School of Nursing Building, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294.
doi:10.3928/00220124-20090623-01
