Healthcare Literacy in Schools: An Opportunity to Address the U.S. Healthcare Crisis

By Fred Garner, MD, FAAP

The U.S. healthcare system is in crisis. Among industrialized countries, the United States ranks low for patient outcomes and satisfaction and high in costs. Many Americans struggle to choose, navigate, and cost-effectively utilize healthcare. One of the most effective ways to address these challenges is to integrate healthcare literacy into school curricula. This approach can significantly improve patient outcomes and satisfaction and reduce individual and overall healthcare costs.

Why Schools Must Teach Healthcare Literacy

Healthcare literacy isn’t just about knowing medical terms; it’s about understanding how to personally choose, navigate, and cost-effectively utilize healthcare. Schools already prepare students for financial literacy, digital literacy, and civic responsibilities — healthcare literacy deserves the same level of importance. Early education in this area can empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed health choices throughout their lives.

A lack of healthcare literacy leads to inefficient use of medical services, increased emergency room visits, medication mismanagement, noncompliance with provider advice, and overall poorer health outcomes. In contrast, those who understand healthcare systems and services are better equipped to advocate for themselves, seek preventative care, and minimize costly medical interventions.

Key Topics in a Healthcare Literacy Curriculum

Here are some of the topics an effective healthcare literacy curriculum for K-12 schools and universities should include:

1.       Evaluating Reliable vs. Unreliable Health Information

• • How to assess health-related claims online and recognize misinformation.

  • How to interpret scientific studies and medical reports.

2.        Navigating the Healthcare System

• • How to find, establish, and utilize a “medical home” and primary care provider.

  • How to find and use health insurance, including deductibles, premiums, and copays.

  • When and how to seek emergency vs. non-emergency care.

3.       Understanding Patient and Provider Rights and Responsibilities

• The role of informed consent and medical decision making.

• How to effectively communicate with healthcare providers.

• How to use patient portals.

• Privacy laws and patient confidentiality.

4.      Preventative Healthcare and Wellness

• The importance of vaccines, screenings, and annual checkups.

• How to manage chronic conditions and prevent lifestyle-related illnesses.

• The impact of mental health on overall well-being.
  
  
  

Implementing Healthcare Literacy in Schools

For healthcare literacy to become a fundamental part of education, action is needed at multiple levels:

1. Curriculum Development: Schools should collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers to create a standardized healthcare literacy curriculum that aligns with existing health and science education.

2. Teacher Training: Educators need resources and professional development to confidently teach healthcare literacy topics. Providing access to lesson plans, workshops, and guest speakers from the healthcare field can support teachers in delivering accurate and engaging content.

3. Legislative Support: Advocating for state and federal education policies that mandate healthcare literacy instruction can ensure that schools have the resources and funding needed to implement these programs.

4. Community and Parental Involvement: Parents, PTAs, school boards, community organizations, and healthcare providers should be engaged in supporting healthcare literacy education. Schools can host workshops, provide take-home resources, and encourage discussions about healthcare literacy at home.

5. Technology Integration: Digital tools and online resources can enhance healthcare literacy education. Interactive apps, virtual simulations, and telehealth exposure can familiarize students with real-world healthcare scenarios.
   
   
   

Join the Movement

Healthcare literacy is an essential life skill that should be taught from an early age. Join me in working with teachers, school administrators, parent groups, students, legislators, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to identify barriers and solutions for adopting this curriculum. Together, we can integrate healthcare literacy into schools, improve patient outcomes and satisfaction, and reduce costs.

About the Author

Dr. Fred Garner is a retired pediatrician, consultant, academic, and researcher. He is the author of the new book “All About YOUR Healthcare: Life Demands That YOU Become an Educated Consumer.” In addition, he publishes an educational website that aims to improve users’ healthcare literacy.