DSMES Health Literacy Tool: Addressing Health Literacy

What to know

Health literacy is the degree to which people are able to find, understand, and use information and services to guide health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.

An educator and participant look at health information together

How can a DCES address different levels of health literacy?

DCESs help people with diabetes manage their condition in ways that fit their lifestyle. To do that well, it’s important to:

  • Understand the role of core skills like reading and numeracy (see Accessing Health Literacy below)
  • Be aware of how culture can shape understanding of health information.
  • Consider language barriers when delivering DSMES services.

Assessing health literacy

While assessment tools can measure a person’s health literacy, start by asking a simple question such as, “How confident are you when you are filling out forms yourself?” (Source: Chew et al. 2008).

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How can the DSMES Health Literacy Tool help?

Use this collection of tips, educational tools, visual aids, and best-practice reminders before, during, and after DSMES sessions with participants. It’s designed to be used on a mobile device, so it’s ready when and where you need it.

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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Diabetes