Five steps to integrating interprofessional health literacy into academic nursing education

Abstract Background Health literacy has become one of the strongest social determinants for health and is an important indicator of health inequalities and health outcomes. The fast-changing dynamic nature of health literacy requires regularly adapted educational initiatives for nursing students. This article describes an innovative approach to successful, sustainable and interprofessional implementation of health literacy in academic nursing education (master’s level). Methods A strong practical focus and interprofessional exchange are intended to have a lasting impact on nursing students. Health literacy in academic nursing education may be implemented in five steps: raise awareness, integrate health literacy into academic nursing education, follow an interprofessional approach, promote application-oriented learning, integrate into nursing practice and research. This strategy can assist educators and nurse institutions to implement or expand evidence-based health literacy initiatives on an interprofessional basis within nursing education. Results Students gave positive feedback on the course and appreciated its relevance. To ensure relevance, the content is evaluated annually by the teaching staff and external experts who implement health literacy projects. Students regularly present their work at conferences and on relevant homepages. Conclusion This educational innovation strategy equips nurse educators with the necessary knowledge to strengthen health literacy within and through nursing.