Jordan JE, Buchbinder R, Briggs AM, Elsworth GR, Busija L, Batterham R, Osborne RH. The health literacy management scale (HeLMS): a measure of an individual's capacity to seek, understand and use health information within the healthcare setting.
PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2013;
91:228-235. [PMID:
23419326 DOI:
10.1016/j.pec.2013.01.013]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Health literacy refers to an individual's ability to seek, understand, and use health information. This paper describes the development and psychometric testing of the health literacy management scale (HeLMS).
METHODS
Content areas were identified from a conceptual framework derived from interviews and concept mapping. Items were generated from statements from concept mapping participants. Construction (N=333) and replication (N=350) samples were participants in chronic disease self-management programs and emergency department attendees. Factor analysis was used to refine constructs and define psychometric properties.
RESULTS
Consultations generated 8 scales each with 4-5 items: Understanding health information, Accessing GP healthcare services, Communication with health professionals, Being proactive and Using health information, Patient attitudes towards their health, Social support, and Socioeconomic considerations. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated good fit of the data with the model (RMSEA=0.07, SRMR=0.05, CFI=0.97) and all domains had high internal consistency (Cronbach alpha>0.82).
CONCLUSION
The HeLMS has acceptable psychometric properties and assesses a range of health literacy constructs important to patients when seeking, understanding and using health information within the healthcare system.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
The HeLMS presents a new approach to assessing health literacy in healthcare settings.
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