Promoting health literacy as an assignment of health professionals? A qualitative study

Background Health literacy (HL) is regarded as a significant predictor of health. It is not adequately developed among the German population. Hence there is a need to promote it. Health professionals can contribute to this. Objectives This work examines their understanding of HL and exposes promoting as well as inhibiting factors of conveyance in order to be able to develop support strategies for promotion by health professionals. Methods The research was conducted as a qualitative study using the design of Grounded Theory. Data were collected in 16 semi-structured, guideline-based interviews. Results The results illustrate the understanding of HL by healthcare professionals as empowerment for better health. This is best achieved by changing to a holistic perspective toward recipients and by placing the responsibility for strengthening HL on politics and society. A requirement for this is increased attention to the topic in theory and practice. Discussion From the results of this study, support measures for health professionals in their task of improving HL of patients can be derived. There is a greater need to promote participation of healthcare professionals. To achieve this, politicians have to strengthen their efforts to promote social engagement.