Abstract
Background 54% of the German population has limited health
literacy, which is associated with poorer health outcomes and higher utilization
of the healthcare system.
Aim of the study The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effects
of an easy-to-understand patient letter on patients’ health literacy
after discharge from a Clinic for Internal Medicine and to analyze
patients’ need for written, easy-to-understand information.
Method In a randomized controlled trial (2016–2018), the effects
of the patient letter on health literacy were examined by means of the
HLS-EU-Q47 questionnaire. The intervention group (IG, n=242) received an
easy-to-understand patient letter 3 days after discharge, the control group (KG,
n=175) received only the usual medical discharge letter.
Results 60% of post-discharge patients were found to have limited
health literacy. The study could not show any effect of patient letters on
overall health literacy. The analysis of single items of health literacy showed
positive effects of these letters on patients’ comprehension of medical
advice as well as their understanding and implementation of medication
instructions (Cohens d≥0.20). Furthermore, patients expressed their wish
for information after discharge from hospital (99%) and rated the
patient letter as informative, understandable and helpful.
Conclusions Patients wish to receive and are empowered by an
easy-to-understand letter after discharge from hospital with medical information
and medical instructions that they can implement at home.
Key Words Health literacy - patient letter - hospitialization - discharge management - patient
empowerment