Exploring the Organizational Role in Adolescent Health Literacy: A Qualitative Single Case Study

Abstract

Background: Adolescents need to develop health literacy skills to participate in making decisions about their health care. Organizational health literacy facilitates patient understanding of health information, care access, and self-management. Methods: A literature review and qualitative case study were conducted to explore adolescent health literacy within an organizational context of an adolescent scoliosis program. Results: Adolescent health literacy is more nuanced than numeracy and reading levels. Yet, little is known about how organizations (including clinicians) support adolescent health literacy. Interviews with health care professionals in a pediatric tertiary hospital related health literacy to scoliosis patient education but did not address other factors associated with adolescents’ ability to navigate health systems. Organizational documents did not adequately support healthcare professionals in promoting the health literacy of adolescent scoliosis patients. Conclusion: Organizational supports are needed to build health literacy capacity amongst adolescents receiving scoliosis care and clinicians need help to leverage the supports that are in place.