Ninety percent.
According to research, that’s the percentage of adults who struggle with proficient health literacy.
Health literacy plays a crucial role in helping patients understand their medical conditions and treatments, yet many find it difficult to follow medical instructions accurately. This lack of understanding can lead to medication errors, unnecessary hospitalizations, and preventable health complications.
Improving communication and patient education is essential to bridge that gap. When healthcare providers simplify medical language, use visual aids, and confirm understanding through active communication, patients are far more likely to follow treatment plans, recognize warning signs, and seek timely medical care.
This is particularly critical in managing chronic diseases, where consistent adherence to medication and lifestyle changes directly impacts long-term outcomes. In short, when providers communicate effectively, patients are empowered to take charge of their health—and that means better care, fewer errors, and stronger overall well-being.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to miscommunication or lack of proper medical guidance, you may have legal options. “Patients should never feel lost or confused about their own healthcare,” said CHH Partner Jim Harman.
“Doctors and nurses have a responsibility to communicate clearly, ensuring that patients fully understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and medications. When they fail to do so, the consequences can be severe.”
Our Chicago-based medical malpractice attorneys are committed to holding negligent providers accountable when poor communication leads to patient harm. For further guidance or to discuss how health literacy impacts care, get in touch with our team of medical malpractice experts for a free consultation.
Source: American Medical News, “The ABCs of health literacy,” Kevin B. O’Reilly, March 19, 2012
