Who Is Billy Reuben? Health Literacy and Patient Education

Abstract

The issue of health literacy is focused on whether health consumers understand and are able to apply the information provided to them. In the neonatal setting, limited parent and caregiver health literacy can result in increased stress and poor compliance with instructions. Health literacy and patient education go hand in hand. This article includes an overview of health literacy and how it applies to the neonatal setting. Information is provided to assist with assessing for health literacy. Hints and resources are also provided for improving patient and family education.