Why Health Literacy Matters & 3 Tips To Help You Bridge The Gap

By Columba Quigley, MD

Health literacy is critical for patients to understand their diagnoses, treatment options, and the importance of clinical trial participation. When patients from diverse backgrounds cannot access information in a way they understand, it impacts their ability to make informed decisions about their health. This is especially relevant in clinical trials, where lack of diversity can skew results and prevent doctors from fully understanding why a treatment may work differently across populations.

At Jumo Health, we believe everyone deserves access to understandable medical resources, regardless of age, culture, language, or education level. Yet, 88% of adults lack health literacy, with many unable to read beyond an 8th-grade level. To bridge this gap, it’s essential to provide materials that are clear, culturally appropriate, and suited to various learning preferences—whether through written materials, videos, podcasts, or other formats. Creating accessible resources benefits clinical trials by helping patients better understand their roles, ultimately aiding in research advancement. According to the CDC, “When patients are provided with culturally and linguistically appropriate information, they are empowered to create healthier outcomes for themselves and their communities.”

To improve patient understanding, consider writing materials at appropriate reading levels, offering translations, and simplifying Informed Consent Forms. These steps support clearer communication, increased patient participation, and healthier outcomes.