Strengthening Health Literacy Through Better Communication

Byline: Gary L. Roth, DO, Chief Medical Officer, MHA

In healthcare, words can be as powerful as medicine. A patient’s ability to understand their diagnosis, treatment options or discharge instructions can directly influence their recovery and long-term health. Yet too often, communication between clinical experts and patients is clouded by medical jargon, complex explanations or information overload. Improving how we talk about health both within hospitals, in the clinic, and across our communities is a matter of safety, trust and access to care.

As October draws to a close, Health Literacy Month serves as a vital reminder that clear communication is a cornerstone of safe, high-quality care throughout Michigan’s healthcare community.

Understanding the Health Literacy Gap

Health literacy refers to a person’s ability to find, understand and use health information to make informed decisions. According to national data, nearly nine in 10 adults struggle to fully comprehend medical information shared by providers, prescription labels or public health materials. This gap leads to serious consequences: missed appointments, medication errors, preventable hospitalizations and poorer overall health outcomes.

Clinicians and health organizations tend to use technical language, while patients experience healthcare through a lens shaped by anxiety, uncertainty and varying levels of understanding. When information isn’t communicated clearly, patients and their family may nod in agreement without truly understanding, leaving them at risk once they leave the clinic or hospital.

Making Health Information Easier to Understand

Effective external communication from providers bridges the gap between the clinical world and the public. It translates complex health information into language that is clear, accurate and compassionate. As digital tools and online platforms become more common in care delivery, hospitals and healthcare systems are also rethinking how to present health information in accessible, user-friendly formats that meet patients where they are. Whether through hospital websites, community health campaigns, or discharge instructions and summaries, the goal should always be the same: ensure patients and families can understand what they need to do and why it matters.

Plain language, visuals and real-world examples can make health information easier to understand. Testing materials with actual patients before publication can also reveal confusing wording or gaps. Improving health literacy should not just be the patient’s job. Health systems, clinicians, communicators and policymakers all have a role to play in making information accessible. Statewide initiatives, including resources from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan State Medical Society, are helping healthcare professionals strengthen health literacy skills and better support patients and families across care settings. Investing in education for health professionals on plain language communication and effective patient engagement will make a difference.

Strengthening Community Health Through Understanding

When patients understand their care, they are more likely to follow treatment plans, ask informed questions and take ownership of their health. When families are also engaged, they can more effectively support the patient. Effective communication builds trust, and trust builds healthier communities.

Across Michigan, hospitals are taking proactive steps to advance health literacy by simplifying patient materials, redesigning discharge instructions and training staff in clear communication techniques. These efforts reflect MHA members’ shared commitment to building understanding as the foundation of safe, high-quality care.

In healthcare, clear communication isn’t just good practice. It’s good medicine.