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Defining Health Literacy and Its Importance

Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS, CGCS

April 15, 2026

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Question

What is health literacy, and why is it important for individuals in managing their health?

Answer

Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. This includes tasks such as choosing a healthcare provider, understanding medication instructions, interpreting insurance information, and managing chronic conditions. Health literacy is crucial because individuals with low health literacy may struggle to follow medical instructions, manage their health conditions, or navigate the healthcare system, leading to poorer health outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and greater health disparities.

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, 'Health Literacy in Practice: Effective Communication and Education', presented by Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS, CGCS.

kathleen d weissberg

Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS, CGCS

In her 30+ years of practice, she has worked in rehabilitation and long-term care as an executive, researcher, and educator.  She has established numerous programs in nursing facilities and authored peer-reviewed publications on topics such as low vision, dementia, quality care, and wellness. She has spoken at numerous conferences, both nationally and internationally. She provides continuing education support to over 30,000 therapists, nurses, and administrators nationwide as National Director of Education for Select Rehabilitation. She is a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer, Certified Dementia Care Practitioner, Certified Montessori Dementia Care Practitioner, Certified Fall Prevention Specialist, a Certified Geriatric Care Practitioner, and Trauma Informed Educator.  She serves as the Region 1 Director for the American Occupational Therapy Association Political Action Committee and is an adjunct professor at Gannon University in Erie, PA.

Related Courses

Supporting the LGBTQ Senior in Healthcare
Presented by Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS, CGCS
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS, CGCS
Course: #4096Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'There was good historical information which is helpful in understanding how my patients may be feeling'   Read Reviews
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This training describes the required elements for responding to the emerging needs of long term care communities to provide sensitive and respectful services to LGBT elders. The training reviews definitions related to sexual orientation and gender identity challenges experienced by LGBT older adults, and strategies for communication and policies that honor residents' rights. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.
Course Details
Health Literacy in Practice: Effective Communication and Education
Presented by Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS, CGCS
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

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  'Easy to follow, great speaker'   Read Reviews
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Health Literacy is the ability to read, compute, understand and act on health information to make informed decisions. Low health literacy is a serious threat to the well-being of persons seeking medical care. With the increasing diversity of clients, we may observe that our communication skills are less effective with people from backgrounds different from our own. In this course, an overview of health literacy is provided. The session will review techniques for clear and effective communication, verbal and written communication with those from other cultures, writing and selecting easy-to-read health materials, and assessment tools to use to ensure that clients understand the therapy services provided and have the skills needed to access, understand, and use health information.
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Supervising Assistants, Students, and Aides: Upholding Your Ethics in a Challenging Health Care Environment
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This presentation reviews the definitions of supervision as well as APTA guidance related to supervising assistants, students, and aides in various healthcare environments. Documentation guidelines for Medicare are reviewed as these relate to what an assistant can complete versus a therapist. The use of students and rehab aides in long-term care is reviewed in accordance with Medicare guidelines. Real examples of common supervisory ethical dilemmas from the field, including the appropriate action steps to take in each one, are highlighted. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA
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HIV/AIDS: Training For Florida Healthcare Professionals
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The purpose of this course is to provide Florida healthcare practitioners with a review of the types, vulnerable populations, risk factors, and prevention strategies for medical errors, including patient safety, reportable sentinel events, and root cause analysis, and an understanding of Florida’s medical error reporting requirements.
Course Details