title: Health literacy--a new concept for general practice?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Health literacy is the ability to understand and interpret the meaning of health information in written, spoken or digital form and how this motivates people to embrace or disregard actions relating to health.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article aims to describe the concept of health literacy, its importance and its applications in the general practice setting.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Australia trails behind other western countries in practical applications of health literacy. Health literacy underpins the efficiency of consultations, health promotion efforts, and self management programs. Recognition of the health literacy status of individuals allows use of appropriate communication tools. This can save time and effort and improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Medicine, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia. robert.adams@adelaide.edu.au
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: Nigel P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Stocks
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Catherine L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gravier
authors.forename: Ilona
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kickbusch
authors.forename: Justin J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Beilby
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D004522:Educational Status; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation