A Transdisciplinary Approach to Improve Health Literacy and Reduce Disparities

Abstract

A challenge to public health professionals, health care providers, and consumers is to come together to improve the quality of health care and to eliminate disparities. Improving health literacy skills along with a transdisciplinary approach to care contributes to effective patient-provider communication. This article addresses a team approach to health care, a community health center experience, self-management skills, patient education, and cultural competency training. In addition, the authors provide concepts that can be incorporated in health care settings to eliminate health disparities and improve health literacy.