Health Literacy: Essential for a Culture of Health

Background: A culture of health requires a commitment from all-individuals, families, communities, organizations, and municipalities-to value health and make decisions reflective of a healthy society. At the individual level, health literacy is a necessary precursor to assist individuals in achieving a higher level of health. Method: One method for ensuring that staff members are routinely assessing and promoting health literacy is using competencies and practices previously identified for all health professions. Results: Cross-walking these competencies with the Health Literacy Tapestry model can be extremely helpful in framing assessment, action steps, and outcomes for nurses. Conclusion: Professional development nurse leaders have the challenge of ensuring that nurses are addressing patient health literacy as a fundamental nursing activity in every nursing-patient-family interaction. Assuming health literacy deficits as a universal approach to care is one method of ensuring health literacy needs are routinely addressed by staff.