Literacy is a common education topic in the United States. Approximately 80 percent of adults in the United States are literate, although less than half have literacy below a sixth-grade level.
Literacy is paramount in healthcare. That’s because it enables patients to make well-informed decisions, easily access care and better manage health problems when they arise. The complexity of healthcare makes communication difficult at times between clinicians and their patients. When health literacy is low, it’s even more challenging.
Unfortunately, low health literacy is an ongoing issue affecting patient populations. This knowledge deficit might prevent these individuals from engaging in preventive health activities and comprehending medical information, processes and/or treatment options. Although they might want to take control of their own health, they might struggle with the steps to do so.
In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) continues to make its mark, a new type of literacy emerges: digital literacy. As we mentioned in a previous blog, digital literacy is the ability to seek, find, understand and appraise health information from electronic sources and apply the knowledge gained to addressing or solving a health problem. It’s especially important in healthcare because if the information providers give to patients isn’t in their preferred language or they don’t have the tools necessary to access it, it won’t be helpful.
Digital and AI Literacy in Healthcare
Digital literacy is necessary for utilizing AI in healthcare. As the Bipartisan Policy Center notes, AI literacy is the ability to recognize, use and evaluate artificial intelligence technologies and involves knowing what AI can and can’t do, how it works and its risks and benefits.
Knowing how to use an AI product safely will ensure that the artificial intelligence system serves its intended purpose effectively and responsibly. It can improve outcomes and engagement by providing personalized learning experiences and enhancing patient understanding of digital tools.
Digital literacy in healthcare ensures that patients and healthcare providers maintain trust and make informed decisions. AI tools empower patients by providing more personalized health information and support, enabling them to take control of their health more effectively. This trust is essential for the successful adoption of digital health technologies, including AI-enabled tools.
A lack of digital literacy in healthcare negatively impacts patient trust and safety and lessens oversight and accountability. Healthcare providers should consider the needs of patients with barriers to digital literacy. Choosing technologies that meet these needs is crucial for patient engagement strategies because it ensures that all patients, regardless of their digital literacy levels, have access to the benefits of digital health tools.
AI Transparency for Patient Trust
Digital literacy is an essential competency for current and future healthcare professionals. Understanding and using AI tools can greatly enhance health literacy and improve patient outcomes. AI-powered tools can help healthcare workers overcome barriers such as a lack of time, resources and training.
Transparency is key to AI effectively contributing to health literacy. Clearly explaining AI’s role in patient care helps healthcare providers build trust and ensures patients understand the benefits and limitations. This transparency is essential for maintaining patient trust in a digital world.
AI tools have the potential to bridge health literacy gaps, especially among underserved groups, improving the likelihood of more equitable health outcomes. Empowering patients with personalized health information and support, AI helps them make more informed healthcare decisions.
Embracing digital literacy allows healthcare professionals to stay at the forefront of care, using technology to enhance, not replace, the human touch necessary in healthcare. Integrating AI responsibly allows healthcare providers to optimize care delivery and improve patient engagement and outcomes.
Responsible and Ethical Use of AI in Healthcare
Digital literacy as it relates to AI involves recognizing, using and evaluating AI technologies safely and ethically. This knowledge is pivotal for responsible participation in a digital world, ensuring AI tools are leveraged for benefit without compromising ethical issues.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) describes responsible AI as the practice of developing and using AI systems in a way that benefits society while minimizing the risk of negative consequences. Embracing this component of AI literacy allows healthcare professionals to adapt to the evolving landscape of technology, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care.
Responsible AI also benefits healthcare providers and enhances patient care by boosting engagement, optimizing operational efficiency and improving health outcomes. The level of personalized care offered by responsible AI tools allows patients to receive relevant and practical advice that fits their unique health needs.
Providertech’s agentic AI solution allows you to clearly communicate with your patients in between visits, respond to routine requests without picking up the phone, navigate your patients through the often-complex healthcare system and more. To combat language barriers that can hinder healthcare access for your diverse patient populations, Providertech.ai. offers multilingual support that enhances access to care for individuals with limited English proficiency.
Are you ready for happy patients every single call, every single time? Listen to a sample recording of Providertech.ai today to learn more!
