Health Literacy and Health Professionals: Open the Door of Communication for Better Outcomes

Abstract

Introduction: Inadequate health literacy is pervasive in all segments of society. Communication improves the mission of health professional and open the door for better health outcomes. Objectives: The objective of this study it’s to evaluate the results of better health communication in the health relationship between health professional and patient and analyse the importance of the use of the Model of Health Communication, ACP Model (Assertivity – Clarity – Positivity) Methods: An exploratory study was conducted comprising 5 focus group with key health professionals, with expertise on health literacy (N = 30) composed by medical doctors and nurses, to explore the health professionals’ perception of communication to increase health literacy on patients. Data were analyzed using qualitative methods with content analysis and individual profound interviews. The focus group was based on a semi-structured script, with five areas focusing on the importance of communication skills and the communicational process within the therapeutic relationship. Results: The groups were unanimous in the importance of health professionals developing communication competences, to enhance patient health literacy levels. The literature confirms the results of all focus group of this health professionals and experts on health literacy. The groups considered the ACP Model a very good and useful good instrument to enhance communication in the relationship.