The Influence of Health Literacy and Cognitive Abilities on Older Adults’ Perceptions of Communicative Interactions With Healthcare Providers

Background Effective clinical communication between healthcare providers and older patients is crucial for patient-centered care. Health literacy (HL) and cognitive functioning (CF) may influence patient engagement and communication preferences, but these factors remain under-investigated. Objective The current study aimed to describe the association between HL, CF, and older adults’ communication experiences during routine primary care visits. Methods Forty-one older adults completed screenings of HL and CF, followed by semi-structured interviews related to their clinical experiences and perceptions of communication with healthcare providers. Themes that emerged from qualitative analyses of the interviews were compared for similarities and differences among participants with varying HL and CF levels. Results Active listening, empathetic and respectful communication, and in-person access to healthcare providers and health information emerged as universal traits of effective doctor-patient communication. HL and CF influenced the need for clear instructions and the ability to navigate digital healthcare tools.