Sammanfattning
The need for health literacy (HL) increases with the growing complexity of health information,
and the emphasis on citizen and patient involvement in health services. The aim of this article is to
introduce the concept of HL, the current research and to point out implications in a clinical context.
Health literacy as a concept has developed over recent decades from covering mainly the basic
reading and numeracy skills needed to function well in healthcare, to now covering broader
competences, e.g. interactive and critical. Surveys have shown associations between low health
literacy and low self-reported health; inadequate health behavior; risk of developing disease, and
insufficient disease management. In the clinical setting, HL is relevant in the direct communication
between patients and health professionals in prevention, patient education and rehabilitation. On a
system level, HL is the core when planning understandable and meaningful communication and
services. Knowledge is lacking concerning effective HL interventions.