Abstract
AbstractTo date, studies have shown mixed results regarding the relationship between health literacy and diabetic control. This study examined diabetes control in a clinic run by an advanced practice pharmacist with prescriptive authority who was aware of patients’ health literacy level. The primary objective of this study was to determine if patients with diabetes who have adequate health literacy achieve better A1C control than patients with inadequate health literacy when managed by a pharmacist clinician (PhC) aware of patients’ health literacy status. Of the ninety-six patients included in the study, sixty-three percent had inadequate health literacy. White patients had numerically greater percentage of adequate health literacy than other ethnicities (p = 0.082). The change in A1C was similar between groups [median −0.5% for inadequate health literacy; −1% for adequate health literacy (p = 0.273)]. The no-show rate was also similar between the two groups (p = 0.919). In the multiple linear regression...
Highlights
The Institute of Medicine defines health literacy as “the degree to which individuals can obtain, process, understand, and communicate about health-related information needed to make informed health decisions” (Berkman, Davis, & McCormack, 2010)
This study looked at the association between patient ability to understand health related information and diabetes control
This study examines the impact of patients’ health literacy and diabetic control in a population of patients with diabetes managed by a pharmacist clinician (PhC), an advanced practice pharmacist in the state of New Mexico with prescriptive authority
Summary
The Institute of Medicine defines health literacy as “the degree to which individuals can obtain, process, understand, and communicate about health-related information needed to make informed health decisions” (Berkman, Davis, & McCormack, 2010). As this definition suggests, health literacy is more than one’s ability to read, write, and process information, but instead reflects one’s ability to navigate the healthcare system to achieve optimal results. There are several pathways via which health literacy influences important health outcomes, including the acquisition of new disease-specific knowledge, improving self-efficacy and adherence with self-care behaviors (Cavanaugh, 2011). Evidence examining the link between low health literacy and glycemic outcomes are mixed. Some studies have demonstrated links between higher levels of health literacy and better glycemic control, while others have failed to demonstrate an association (Ishikawa & Yano, 2011; Morris, MacLean, & Littenberg, 2006; Powell, Hill, & Clancy, 2007; Schillinger et al, 2002; Tang, Pang, Chan, Yeung, & Yeung, 2008)
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