The Influence Of Patient Health Literacy On Positive...

The Influence of Patient Health Literacy on Positive Health Outcomes Introduction With an increase in the number of new prescriptions hitting the market and the growing number of patients taking prescription medications, patient health literacy becomes a rising problem. Approximately ninety percent of Americans currently take prescription or over-the-counter medications; however, patients that have an inadequate health literacy level are more likely misinterpret or suffer adverse drug effects due to a lack of understanding. (7) These possible adverse drug effects could also potentially increase the number of hospitalizations, thus raising health care costs. One study suggested that over half of the documented emergency department visits could have been avoided had the patient been more health literate. (4) If the patients involved would have been better educated about the side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions by their pharmacist or primary care provider, then emergency room visits and/or hospital admittance could have been prevented. Another common mistake made by patients that may be taking multiple medications is that they underestimate the dangers of over-the-counter medications. (3) The general public believes that OTC medications are safe, even harmless, since a prescription is not needed from a physician. Patients are unaware that the Nexium ® that they are taking for hyperacidity is the exact same drug that providers prescribe for GERD. OverShow MoreRelatedDiversification Continues To Rise In The United States1626 Words   |  7 Pagespopulation health. Additionally, health disparities are growing and impacting the health care field. 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