The Role of Health Literacy in Major Healthcare Crises

Book excerpt: The COVID-19 pandemic clearly shows the vital role of accurate and reliable information in public health. Health literacy addresses not only patient needs but also the needs of the general population, who must not only comply with advice and instructions but also understand the severity of health crises and respond accordingly. A variety of crises imposed on healthcare systems constantly arise ranging from pandemics to natural catastrophes, terrorist attacks, and outbreaks of illnesses. In addition, there are crises within the healthcare systems, such as a lack of resources and an appropriate workforce. Crises in healthcare systems that are not efficiently dealt with may result in inefficiencies and inequalities in health provision. The Role of Health Literacy in Major Healthcare Crises examines the role of health literacy not only in informing the public but also in building a culture of cooperation between the healthcare systems and their users. The book also investigates the role of communication strategies and educational activities of multiple agencies at local, national, and global levels and explores ethical issues associated with healthcare crises and how they are negotiated in health campaigns. Covering key topics such as digital media, health information, and e-health, this premier reference source is ideal for healthcare professionals, nurses, policymakers, researchers, scholars, academicians, practitioners, instructors, and students.