Improving health literacy reduces risk and improves patient safety

Abstract

The concept of the expert patient and self-management has a key role to play in improving patient safety. Empowered health literate patients are more likely to ask questions, to check medication, and accurately report on side-effects and adverse reactions. In addition they are likely to be proactive in their own care and managing their home environment to reduce risk of harm. Greater benefit could be gained by input into the design of patient education and rehabilitation programmes from those responsible in NHS trusts and other bodies for managing risk.