Effects of health literacy competencies on patient-centered care among nurses

Background This study aims to identify the relationship between health literacy competencies and patient-centered care by clinical nurses. Methods The participants were 180 nurses working at three university hospitals located in G City and J Province, South Korea. Self-evaluation questionnaires were used to collect data that were collected from June 1 to 30, 2021. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression with SPSS 26.0. Results The mean of health literacy competencies was 3.19 (4 point scale) and the mean of patient-centered care was 3.48 (5 point scale). There were significant positive relationships between health literacy competencies and patient-centered care by clinical nurses (r = .50, p < .001). Factors influencing the health literacy competencies of clinical nurses were identified as education level (university) (beta = .82), education level (masters) (beta = .74), prior health literacy knowledge (beta = .52), and health literacy competencies (beta = .44). The explanatory power of this regression model was 36%, which was statistically significant (F = 17.65, p < .001). Conclusion Clinical nurses' health literacy competencies should be developed to improve patient-centered care. Nursing education programs should emphasize the integration of health literacy into the nursing school curriculum.

Automated summary

This study aims to explore the relationship between health literacy competencies and patient-centered care by clinical nurses. The results show a significant positive relationship between health literacy competencies and patient-centered care, and factors such as education level and health literacy knowledge significantly influence the health literacy competencies of clinical nurses. The study suggests that nursing education should focus on integrating health literacy into the curriculum to improve patient-centered care by clinical nurses.