What might be a direct outcome of enhancing health literacy?

Enhancing health literacy directly improves patient outcomes by empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health. When patients understand health-related information, they are better equipped to follow treatment plans, manage their conditions, and engage in preventive care. This informed engagement can lead to adherence to medications, appropriate use of health services, and ultimately, better management of chronic diseases, reduced complications, and improved overall well-being.

Effective health literacy also enables patients to communicate more effectively with healthcare providers, which can enhance the therapeutic relationship and ensure that patients feel confident in voicing their concerns and asking questions. As a result, all these factors contribute positively to the outcomes seen in patient care.

While lower healthcare costs, reduced clinical errors, and increased prescription authority might be associated benefits of enhanced health literacy, they are indirect outcomes rather than direct ones related solely to the improvement of patient understanding and self-management of health.