Date of Award

Summer 8-2025

Document Type

Open Access Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Laura Hayman

Second Advisor

Lingling Zhang

Third Advisor

Jean Connor

Abstract

Health literacy refers to a person’s ability to access, understand and use health-related information in order to effectively manage one's health and navigate healthcare experiences. This responsibility does not rest solely upon the individual; healthcare organizations also have a vital role in assisting individuals in accessing, understanding and using health information through their interactions with the healthcare system. Organizational health literacy (OHL) can serve as a strategy to ensure that all individuals have equitable access to health information and services. The Ten Attributes of a Health Literate Healthcare Organization established the foundational principles of organizational health literacy. The present study aimed to describe pediatric cardiovascular programs belonging to a consortium dedicated to the care of children with congenital heart disease in the U.S and the extent of organizational health literacy practices aligning with the Ten Attributes. The study also examined nurse leaders' and designees' views on implementing these practices in their program or unit. Study findings indicate that practices aligned with the Ten Attributes are present in these programs to varying degrees. Communication standards were the highest-ranked attribute. Workforce education and the communication of costs to patients ranked the lowest. Nurses often use health literacy practices to ensure and confirm that patients understand information. However, many are unaware of this term, likely due to limited education in this area. These findings align with existing research. Future recommendations include ongoing exploration of health literacy practices from an objective perspective, as well as investigating innovative methods for interprofessional education and leveraging advanced technologies to enhance health literacy strategies for the future.

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