Low Literacy In Nursing

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Literacy is defined in the National Literacy Act of 1991 as “an individual 's ability to read, write, and speak in English, and compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job and in society, to achieve one 's goals, and develop one 's knowledge and potential”(Irwin, 1991, p. 7). I think it is safe to say, when many think of a low literacy individual, it is automatically assumed the person is educationally disadvantaged, mental disabled, and/or non-English speaking. Any of these factors can prevent an individual from reading, speaking, writing, comprehending, and/or retaining the information provided to them. Yes, I agree that these three factors are major reasons individuals are considered to be low literacy. As healthcare providers, we must remember that there are other factors that can prevent an individual from having the ability to read, write, and speak English. Based off …show more content…
I feel it is necessary for …show more content…
(2009). Assessing and Addressing Health Literacy. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing.14(3). Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol142009/No3Sept09/Assessing-Health-Literacy-.aspx

Irwin, P. (1991, November 8). National Literacy Act of 1991: Major Provisions of P.L. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED341851.pdf

Minnesota Health Literacy Partnership. (2012, June 4). Teach-Back: What does your patient really understand? Retrieved from http://healthliteracymn.org/sites/default/files/images/files/Teach-Back program guide_updated 060412.pdf

U.S, Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Quick Guide to Health Literacy. Retrieved from

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