Kontakt 2018, 20(4):e408-e415 | DOI: 10.1016/j.kontakt.2018.10.004

From the first surveys to an action plan - Examining health literacy in GermanySocial Sciences in Health - Review article

Lukáš Janura

Univerzita Karlova, Fakulta sociálních věd, Praha, Česká republika

This study deals with research on health literacy undertaken in Germany in recent years. A proper debate started after the results of the EU Health Literacy Survey had been published. The debate in Germany is influenced by American authors, but with a focus on the specific abilities of the patients and features of health literacy.
Studies based on the EU Health Literacy Survey focus on the most threatened groups of citizens and create recommendations in this regard. There are some results which indicate that a more complex approach supporting general knowledge might be more efficient. Nevertheless, the approach which builds on a deep focus on the specific needs of threatened groups still prevails. Official recommendations issued by the Federal Government follow this line to a great extent. A slight change of institutions involved is observed as well.
The development of health literacy in Germany goes hand-in-hand with a general shift of the healthcare system to a more patient-oriented model, which gives more responsibility to individuals. It is clear that health literate citizens are a necessary precondition. Overall, this study shows that a sociological approach is specific for the German discussion. This approach is reflected also, in practical steps undertaken by the Federal Government. As a result of the debate, the National Action Plan of Health Literacy for Germany is analyzed.

Keywords: Health Literacy; Technical Advisory Council on Health; Sachverständigenrat Gesundheit; Fundamental Literacy; Federal Office for Health Education; Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung; Unconscious learning

Received: July 19, 2018; Revised: August 31, 2018; Accepted: October 3, 2018; Published: November 30, 2018  Show citation