What is health literacy, and how can interpreters support it?

• A. Health Literacy Is The Ability To Obtain, Process, And Understand Health Information; Interpreters Support By Using Plain Language, Teach-Back, And Confirming Understanding
• B. Health Literacy Means Reading Hospital Brochures; Support By Reading Aloud
• C. Health Literacy Is The Ability To Speak With The Clinician; Support By Translating Quickly
• D. Health Literacy Is About Medical Terminology; Support By Using More Jargon

Answer: (A)

Health literacy is the ability to obtain, process, and understand health information and to use that information to make appropriate health decisions. Interpreters support health literacy by using plain language, teaching-back to confirm understanding, and actively verifying that the patient has grasped the information. Plain language means explaining terms in everyday speech and avoiding or defining medical jargon. Teach-back invites the patient to restate what was explained in their own words, helping identify gaps in understanding. Confirming understanding involves checking that instructions are clear, actionable, and culturally appropriate, and offering clarifications as needed. This approach helps patients follow treatment plans, take medications correctly, and know what to do next, rather than simply reading materials, speaking with clinicians, or using more jargon.