Understanding Patient Rights: A Pilot Study Assessing Health Literacy in Written Pre-Appointment Letters

Julie Dalgaard Guldager (), Lotte Christina Waldhauer and Carsten Kronborg Bak
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Julie Dalgaard Guldager: Research Department, University College South Denmark, 6705 Esbjerg, Denmark
Lotte Christina Waldhauer: Research Program for Social Work, Administration and Communication, University College South Denmark, 6705 Esbjerg, Denmark
Carsten Kronborg Bak: Health Department, University College Lillebælt, 5230 Odense M, Denmark

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 10, 1-14

Abstract: This pilot study examined how sociodemographic factors (age, education, internet usage) influence patients’ comprehension of written healthcare communications, and their understanding of patient rights as articulated in appointment letters. A cross-sectional study was conducted among in-clinic patients at three Danish hospitals. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, assessing health literacy through four domains: assessing, understanding, appraising, and applying information from appointment letters. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, Internet usage, IT competencies, and self-assessed health. Overall, 364 patients participated, with the majority being female and aged between 35 and 74 years. The mean scores for the domains of understanding and applying information were higher compared to assessing and appraising. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that higher education levels positively correlated with the ability to appraise legal information, while frequent internet usage also enhanced appraisal skills. Findings highlight a concerning gap in patients’ ability to understand and appraise their patient rights within written healthcare communications. While patients demonstrate reasonable skills in understanding basic information, critical legal aspects remain challenging. Enhancing education and digital literacy may improve comprehension, emphasizing the need for simplified language and alternative formats in appointment letters. Further research is warranted to optimize communication strategies for patient rights.

Keywords: health literacy; healthcare letters; patient rights; patient communication; digital literacy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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