Health literacy and its role in relational communication with patients : the study of literature and concepts

Abstract

PURPOSE: The article aims to present the issue of health literacy in shaping relational communication with patients. The specific goal was to review the literature on health competencies and the doctor-patient relationship.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article bases on a literature study in healthcare, management, and health economics. The study of literature and concepts was carried out based on the desk research method, using professional, scientific databases. The article's author contributed to the development of management and quality sciences by researching the role of health literacy in doctor-patient relational communication. The area of health competencies about the behavior of patients in contact with medical professionals requires further analysis.

FINDINGS: Health literacy enables doctors to better communicate with patients and provide them with relevant information to manage and improve their health. Health skills allow patients to control their wellbeing by making informed and wise health care choices and strengthening their relationship with their doctors.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Raising health awareness should become the primary goal of many health systems to protect patients from harm. Health skills should enable the individual to extract knowledge, derive meaning from different sources, and apply new information to changing circumstances. Through health competencies, using a wide range of skills, it is necessary to improve people's ability to act on the data obtained to lead a healthier life.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The presented approach to the topic organizes the information on health literacy and expands doctor-patient communication issues. Health literacy is an important concept that increasingly recognizes the basic skills needed worldwide to maintain good health and access the local health system. This publication can help promote health awareness, shape a proper doctor-patient relationship, and inspire other authors to deepen their health competencies.