Enhancing Health Literacy in Communication Sciences and Disorders

PURPOSE: This review article provides an integrated synthesis of health literacy within communication sciences and disorders (CSD), with emphasis on conceptual frameworks, clinical applications, and educational considerations relevant to speech-language pathology and audiology. METHOD: This narrative review synthesizes current literature and evidence-based practices to connect health literacy frameworks with clinical communication, patient education, and professional training in CSD. RESULTS: Limited health literacy is prevalent among individuals with communication disorders and is associated with poorer health outcomes and reduced engagement in care. Key strategies include the use of plain language, multimodal communication supports, and health literacy-informed assessment and intervention approaches to improve clinician-patient interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating health literacy into routine clinical practice and CSD education is essential for improving patient understanding, supporting shared decision making, and enhancing health outcomes. Coordinated efforts across clinical, educational, and organizational contexts are needed to reduce communication barriers and advance equitable, patient-centered care.