Readying Arkansas for a lifetime of literacy

How Digital Literacy Impacts Health Literacy

Approximately 37 percent of Arkansans struggle with the skills necessary to understand and use health information to make critical care decisions. As healthcare information is increasingly digitized students need strong digital skills to access, understand, and act on health information.  Here’s how digital literacy impacts health literacy for students and why it’s essential in the modern healthcare landscape.

Accessing Health Information

One of the primary ways digital literacy influences health literacy is through access to information. Health-related content is widely available online, from medical websites to patient portals and wellness apps. Students with solid digital literacy skills are better equipped to:

  • Find reliable health information online.
  • Use search engines effectively to discover answers to health questions.
  • Navigate healthcare provider websites and patient portals for appointments, test results, and medication information.

These skills are necessary for students to experience crucial updates, be able to schedule appointments and communicate with healthcare providers.

Understanding Health Information

Being able to access online health resources is just the first step. Digital literacy also impacts how well students understand the information they find. Health content can be complex and often filled with medical jargon. Students with strong digital literacy are better able to:

  • Use tools like online dictionaries or search engines to clarify unfamiliar terms.
  • Recognize the credibility of health sources by evaluating website authority, authorship, and evidence backing claims.
  • Access multimedia resources, such as videos or infographics, which can help explain complicated health issues more clearly.

Without these skills, students may misinterpret their symptoms, leading to misinformed decisions about treatments or medications.

Communicating with Healthcare Providers

Digital literacy enhances communication with healthcare providers. Students comfortable with technology can use telehealth platforms to consult with doctors, access online health records, or engage in real-time discussions via patient portals. They can also:

  • Send emails or messages to ask healthcare questions.
  • Use video conferencing tools to attend remote health consultations.
  • Fill out online forms before appointments, saving time and ensuring accurate data sharing.

These capabilities empower students to take a more active role in managing their healthcare and ensuring they get the help they need when they need it.

Making Informed Health Decisions

Informed decision-making is key to good health, and digital literacy supports this process by providing access to a wealth of evidence-based resources. Students with the skills to research online, compare treatment options, and even review patient testimonials can make more informed choices about their health. They can also:

  • Download and use health apps to track symptoms, medication, and exercise.
  • Read reviews of healthcare providers or facilities.
  • Participate in online support groups or forums to connect with others facing similar health challenges.

The ability to evaluate digital health tools and content ensures that students can find personalized health solutions.

 

Resources 

Wisconsin Literacy: A fantastic list of resources, handouts, and curriculum centered around basic digital literacy skills and offers some resources in a variety of languages for ESL students.

https://wisconsinliteracy.org/resources/resources/digital-literacy.html

Florida Literacy Coalition: an online interactive video lesson on digital health literacy.

https://floridaliteracy.org/digital-health-literacy/presentation_html5.html

National Library of Medicine: While this resource is aimed at public libraries there are still plenty of fantastic resources for our students. Includes printable handouts for how students can identify reliable health resources, posters for digital health literacy skills, and additional educational resources to use in lessons.

https://allofus.nnlm.gov/digital-health-literacy

Contact Info

Thanks for visiting the website of Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas.

124 W Capitol Ave, Suite 1000

Little Rock, AR 72201

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