Evidence map›Paper›PMID 37932722›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2023

Greek medical professionals approaches and understanding of health literacy: a qualitative study.

Eleni Louizou, Nikolaos Panagiotou, Εmmanouil Smyrnakis, Savvas Anastasiadis, Konstantinos G Diamantis, Foivos Papamalis, Panagiotis D Bamidis

Open access · goldAbstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
0.4field-weighted citation impact, top 29% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 citations in OpenAlex.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.

Eleni LouizouFaculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 376, 54124, Greece. louizoulena@gmail.com.
Nikolaos PanagiotouFaculty of Economic and Political Sciences, School of Journalism & Mass Communications, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, Greece.
Εmmanouil SmyrnakisFaculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 376, 54124, Greece.
Savvas AnastasiadisFaculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 376, 54124, Greece.
Konstantinos G DiamantisFaculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 376, 54124, Greece.
Foivos PapamalisFaculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 376, 54124, Greece.
Panagiotis D BamidisFaculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 376, 54124, Greece.
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki · GR

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundHealth literacy holds significant importance for medical professionals, as it is widely acknowledged as a key element in enhancing health promotion and overall well-being. The primary objective of this study is to explore Greek physicians' comprehension of health literacy, the significance they attribute to it, their strategies for addressing patients with low health literacy, and the potential barriers they face while striving to enhance a patient's health literacy. In this context, we examine the communication methods employed by physicians as an integral part of their approach to improving a patient's health literacy.

methodsA qualitative study was conducted between April 29, 2021, and February 17, 2022, utilizing in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 30 Greek medical professionals, of whom 15 were university professors. The research sample selection methodology employed in this study was purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using inductive thematic analysis.

resultsThe majority of physicians were not familiar with the concept of health literacy. The most significant barriers to the development of health literacy among physicians are a lack of time, issues within the healthcare system, and interference from third parties, although they acknowledge that a significant portion of the responsibility lies with them. Effective communication with patients is important for all physicians, as it plays a crucial role in the therapeutic process. When they realize that their patients are not understanding them, they employ communication methods such as using plain language, providing numerous examples, incorporating visuals like pictures and even using drawings.

conclusionsThe findings of this study underscore the importance of implementing targeted initiatives to promote health literacy within the Greek medical and academic community. Integrating health literacy training for physicians into the educational and training curriculum is essential. To accomplish this goal, it is imperative to first address the shortcomings within the healthcare system and improve the working conditions for physicians.

Indexed as

Health LiteracyPhysiciansHealth PromotionHumansLanguageQualitative ResearchAcademicCommunication methodsGreeceHealth literacyPhysiciansQualitative study

Identifiers

PMID37932722
PMCPMC10626757
OpenAlexW4388419422

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.