Review by Choice Review
Although access to health information has grown exponentially, people's understanding of this information has lagged. According to this recent Institute of Medicine report by the Committee on Health Literacy, nearly half of all adults--90 million people--have difficulty in comprehending and using health information. The report begins with an executive summary and proceeds to describe the origins, consequences, and solutions to health illiteracy. Interspersed throughout the chapters are text boxes illustrating specific case examples that really drive home the urgency of this problem. This report documents what committee chair David Kindig (Univ. of Wisconsin) refers to as a silent epidemic, which has led to billions of dollars in avoidable heath care costs and patient maladies. It offers the startling revelation that, according to more than 300 studies, health-related materials cannot be understood by most of the people for whom they are intended. Clearly, a concerted effort by the health care system, the educational system, the media, and consumers is needed to improve the quality and costs of health care delivery. Written in a clear, plain style, this book is indexed with helpful resource appendixes. An invaluable resource for those interested in health services research and health care delivery. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. All academic audiences, undergraduate through faculty. J. D. Campbell University of Missouri--Columbia
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
