The importance of health literacy to develop communication skills in healthcare professionals

Objective: Review and analyze scientific evidence about the strategies used to develop skills for assertive communication among health professionals using the assumptions of Health Literacy (HL). Method: This integrative review of the literature in six databases included the descriptors: “health personnel AND health communication AND health literacy”. Four studies published between 2019 and 2022 were included. Developing verbal and written communication skills was highlighted as a fundamental strategy by all of them. Results: Opportunities for training health professionals were cited in 75% of the studies, while 50% used real-life case studies as a way to improve HL. Other techniques cited in 25% of the findings were: the need to provide sufficient human and financial resources, promote clear communication aimed at citizens, use information that allows navigation through the health system, the implementation of tools and the reflection strategy of situations experienced, and the skills for shared decision-making between patients and family members. Conclusion: that considering HL is fundamental for health communication.