O papel da literacia em saúde na decisão médica partilhada

ABSTRACT: Some studies have shown the relationship between an increased and more structured involvement of patients in clinical decision making, the improvement of literacy in health and the obtainment of health gains. However, the existence of misconceptions on the part of doctors and other health professionals may contribute to their low compliance regarding shared clinical decision and discussion of treatment options, particularly with users with low levels of literacy. With this critical essay, we intend to clarify these misconceptions, by doing an in depth reflection and analysis on communication’s key elements centered on the patient – health literacy and shared decision. Relevant issues about literacy in health and shared decision were presented, on which critical content was developed. This development is the most extensive part of the essay. We transmitted the point of view of several authors and a critical analysis, and we tried to illustrate these ideas with examples and research studies, thus validating the presented arguments and answering to questions raised during the analysis. Final considerations of this critical essay stress that promoting an increased user participation in clinical decision making improves the level of health literacy, through a patient-focused communication performed by qualified professionals taking into consideration social determinants, and health gains are obtained.