The case for development of a new test of health literacy.
OBJECTIVE
To review the need for reading assessments for patients with cancer, review existing reading assessment tools, and make a case for a new tool specific to patients with cancer.


METHODS
Published articles, experiences, and discussions with published authors in the field of literacy.


RESULTS
Valid and reliable tools that assess word recognition and comprehension exist for general use in health care. Word-recognition tests do not always predict comprehension, and a commonly used comprehension test has sections assessing only very low, second year of high school, and graduate-level skills.


CONCLUSIONS
A new tool, developed specifically for patients with cancer, may better capture reading ability and comprehension. It is being evaluated for use in a clinical setting.


CONCLUSIONS
If nurses know their patients' reading levels, they can plan more effectively for teaching self-care and discussing decision making. Outcomes related to health and satisfaction may improve if poor readers are given materials they can understand.
Agre
Patricia
P
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA. agrep@mskcc.org
Stieglitz
Ezra
E
Milstein
Glen
G
D003657:Decision Making; D004522:Educational Status; D006801:Humans; D007807:Language Tests; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods