Family Nurse Practitioner Students’ Knowledge and Experience of Health Literacy Strategies

Background: Health literacy is one of the best predictors of health status. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine firstsemester Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students’ knowledge and experience regarding health literacy because FNPs often care for the most vulnerable of populations. Most vulnerable populations have low health literacy and poorer health outcomes. A working knowledge of assessing health literacy and implementation strategies to address varying levels of health literacy is critical for improved patient outcomes in vulnerable populations.
Methods: This descriptive correlational study used a convenience sample (n = 35) of first-semester FNP students at a public university. The Health Literacy Knowledge and Experience Survey was administered to first-semester FNP students to determine their health literacy knowledge levels.
Results: Students entering into an FNP program had limited knowledge about health literacy and the strategies needed to provide health care for patients with low health literacy.
Conclusion: Although FNP students have some health literacy knowledge and experience, there are significant gaps in both
health literacy knowledge and experience.

Family Nurse Practitioner Students’ Knowledge and Experience of Health Literacy Strategies Academic Article