Adaptation and implementation of efficient methods of delivering health information and addressing patients' health literacy skills will improve patient health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify and review evidence based research associated with health literacy to determine the testing methods currently used in the United States.

This study will provide an overview of the researched evidence surrounding health literacy challenges and efforts to assess health literacy among adults in the United States. This study will present existing nationwide study methods and test instruments used to identify links to limited health literacy in health care settings in the United States.

This research is crucial to understanding health literacy and in initiating improvements. Improvements that will help improve the quality care and alleviate some of the financial burden associated with costly medical conditions, over utilization of inpatient and emergency medical services and new complex health care technologies and procedures.