Health literacy and the role of therapeutic professionals: A scoping review / Gesundheitskompetenz und die Rolle der Therapieberufe: Ein scoping Review

Abstract

Abstract Background and aim Health literacy (HL) describes people’s knowledge, motivation, and competences to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information. Limited health literacy can clearly negatively impact health outcomes and therapeutic professionals are potentially important contact persons for patients and their relatives to address health literacy. The aim of this scoping review is to summarize the current literature regarding HL in the selected therapeutic professions (occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language therapy). Methods (incl. inclusion criteria) We conducted an electronic database search in PubMed and CINAHL (EBSCO) up to September 2022. Two authors independently selected studies using the following inclusion criteria: (1) addressing the topic HL and (2) explicitly integrating therapeutic professionals. After extracting relevant information, the included articles were qualitatively analyzed using a narrative synthesis. Results We identified 39 research and non-research articles. The content analysis revealed the following 5 themes: (1) HL–related knowledge and skills, (2) Education and training regarding HL, (3) assessment of HL of their clients, (4) Preparation and communication of health-related information, and (5) HL in organizations. Discussion Most therapeutic professionals were familiar with the term HL, but a lack of deep understanding is described. However, therapeutic professionals are aware of the importance of addressing the needs of clients with low HL. An integration of HL-related issues in professional training and further research regarding concepts to screen and address HL in therapeutic practice are needed.