This webinar explores the dual nature of health literacy measurement: assessing the readability of written materials and evaluating an individual’s ability to comprehend and apply health information. We will examine popular readability tools including exploring the advantages and limitations of different measurements. We will also discuss information assessments of health literacy. Finally, participants will explore evidence-based interventions, including pictorial representations and alternative document designs, to make health information more accessible and actionable for all populations.
Speaker Information
Emily Vardell is an Associate Professor at Emporia State University’s School of Library and Information Management. She teaches library science and health sciences librarianship, with a focus on health literacy and improving access to health information. Her recent publications address health insurance literacy, infertility information practices, and library science education best practices and trends. Emily is co-editor of Health Literacy and Libraries is active in the Medical Library Association serving in various leadership roles. She has received multiple professional awards and is a former Fulbright scholar in Vienna, Austria.
Julie Schiavo is Assistant Director, Dental Services and Associate Librarian, School of Dentistry Liaison at LSU Health, New Orleans.
This class is for educational and informational purposes in alignment with NNLM goals and does not offer medical advice.
By registering for this class, you are agreeing to the NNLM Code of Conduct
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
Differentiate between the two primary types of health literacy measurement: those focused on the readability of written text and those focused on an individual's comprehension and use of information.
Evaluate the strengths and ethical limitations of various assessment tools to determine the most appropriate method for their specific target population.
Implement specific health literacy interventions, such as numerical simplification and alternative document design, to increase the accessibility of health-related materials.