How To Increase Digital Health Literacy Among Patients?

The term ‘digital health’ encompasses the use of digital technologies in healthcare. This includes apps, websites, blogs, and social media platforms. The digital health landscape is changing, with patients increasingly expected to be active participants in their healthcare. This is resulting in different challenges for healthcare practitioners, including higher digital health literacy among patients.

What is digital health literacy?

Simply put, digital health literacy is the ability to search for, comprehend, and act upon digital health information. It is a combination of patients’ digital literacy skills and their capacity to understand and use health-related information available online.

Why is digital health literacy important?

The value of having literate patients in the digital age cannot be overstated. Being able to understand and navigate the complex world of online information and resources is both necessary and beneficial. This includes staying abreast of the latest trends and information in healthcare, as well as being able to ask questions and seek help when needed. Patients who are able to engage with healthcare providers digitally are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, understand their diagnoses, and actively participate in their care. This is beneficial to everyone, including the healthcare provider and the patient.

How can healthcare providers improve digital health literacy among patients?

There are a number of ways that healthcare providers can improve digital health literacy among their patients. This can include making information available in different ways, such as online articles and videos coupled with automated email notifications when relevant information is available. As well, healthcare providers can take advantage of the wealth of knowledge available online and utilize reputable sources that can augment their own knowledge and clinical expertise.

Providing patients with the right information at the right time is essential in keeping them engaged and actively participating in their care. Email notifications with timely articles or informative videos can be an efficient and effective way of keeping busy patients engaged and informed.

What is the role of social media in healthcare?

Healthcare practitioners can also utilize social media platforms to disseminate information and engage with patients. Twitter and Instagram are especially effective at this, as they give healthcare practitioners a direct line to the patient experience and allow for rapid assessment and response from those most affected by the topic at hand. The role of social media in healthcare cannot be understated; it can help to create an active community of patients who are interested in and engaged with their healthcare, as well as provide healthcare practitioners with the ability to assess the effectiveness of their practices and identify areas for improvement.

How can patients improve digital health literacy?

Just as healthcare providers can improve digital health literacy among their patients, patients can also take steps to increase their own digital health literacy. This can include educating oneself about the benefits of digital health and the importance of staying informed online, as well as taking the time to learn to search for and evaluate online resources effectively. Patients who understand the power of digital health and utilize it effectively in their daily lives for their own health and wellness, as well as for the health and well-being of their families, are more likely to engage with their healthcare providers and other patients online. This can help to ensure a more coordinated approach to healthcare and a better understanding of one’s own health status.

It is essential that patients feel comfortable asking questions and being informed about their health and care, and that healthcare providers are available and willing to answer their questions. This can be facilitated through improved digital health literacy, resulting in more satisfied and confident patients.