Become a Health Literacy Champion: Strategies to Promote Health Literacy in Athletic Training

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-24-2024

Publication Title

Journal of Athletic Training

Abstract

Health literacy is defined as “the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.”1 Individuals with health disparities are more likely to have poor health outcomes and misuse health care services due to low health literacy. This connection between health literacy and health disparities demonstrates the need for clinicians to provide health literate care. Athletic trainers serve as essential points of contact for diverse patient populations in a variety of health care settings. The 2023 Practice Analysis 8 recognizes health literacy as an essential responsibility; however, few practical resources exist, and research specific to athletic training is lacking. In this manuscript, we aim to provide a primer on health literacy definitions, concepts, and best practices adapted from public health to support implementation into athletic training clinical practice.

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