Why is a patient’s health literacy significant in case management?

A patient's health literacy is significant in case management because it directly influences their ability to understand their health status, including medical conditions, treatment options, and the necessary lifestyle changes for better health outcomes. When patients possess a higher level of health literacy, they are more likely to grasp complex medical information, follow care plans, and make informed decisions about their healthcare.

This understanding is crucial for case managers who seek to empower patients and promote effective self-management of their conditions. Improved health literacy enables patients to engage more actively in discussions about their care, ask relevant questions, and follow through with treatment plans, thereby promoting better health outcomes and potentially reducing overall healthcare costs.

Other options, while related to care processes, do not capture the core importance of health literacy in relation to patient understanding and engagement in their health decisions.