Assessing Health Literacy of Patients with Heart Failure using the Newest Vital Sign Assessment Tool in Cardiology Offices

Abstract

Heart Failure (HF) continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States driving health care costs higher and impairing health outcomes of patients affected. Accurate health literacy assessment and utilization promotes self-management of HF, improving health outcomes. This project implemented a practice change to assess patients’ ability to perform self-management. Identification of individuals with limited health literacy using the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) assessment tool promoted a more individualized plan of care to encourage adherence to complicated treatment plans. This office-based practice change was implemented from September through December 2023 in two cardiology offices in rural Maryland. Eligible participants were assessed using the NVS tool and given educational material on HF from an evidence-based resource congruent with their health literacy level. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to determine if relationships existed between collected variables. Seventy-five, or 50%, of eligible patients were assessed using the NVS tool. Statistically significant associations were found between health literacy and the independent variables of marital status (p=.013) and educational attainment (p<.001) using Chi-Square. Spearman’s correlation demonstrated a positive relationship between educational attainment and health literacy level (p<.001). Implementation of the NVS tool increased provider awareness of patients’ health literacy levels and available resources to enhance self-management. Continued implementation of a health literacy assessment tool will ensure patients with HF receive patient-centered education that they can understand and comprehend; thereby, improving their engagement and overall health outcomes.