Abstract
A small proportion of U.S. adults are proficient enough in health literacy to understand and use health information effectively. Providers may lack knowledge of basic health literacy facts, consequences associated with low health literacy, health literacy screening tools, and evaluation of health literacy interventions. A review of the literature finds a limited number of studies related to Nurse Practitioner's knowledge of health literacy. The purpose of this project was to evaluate Nurse Practitioners' perception and knowledge of health literacy. This descriptive study used a web-based survey to assess Nurse Practitioner's knowledge and perception of health literacy. Participants were Nurse Practitioners currently employed by a Midwest healthcare system. Descriptive statistics was utilized to report participant's general knowledge and perception of health literacy. Qualitative analysis was completed by identifying basic themes of participant's responses to a survey question asking them to define health literacy in their own words. A limited number of Nurse Practitioner's surveyed felt they have an adequate knowledge level of health literacy. Nurse practitioners play a key role in patient communication and education. Evidence-based heath literacy strategies and informing providers of the health literacy resources can help improve patient outcomes.