Health literacy in patients with pulmonary embolism: development and validation of the HeLP (Health Literacy in Pulmonary Embolism)-Questionnaire.

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cardiovascular disease and health literacy is necessary to deal with its consequences after the acute event. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a new questionnaire to measure PE-specific health literacy.

Methods: A mixed-methods design with qualitative and quantitative elements was used in the development process.

Evidence-based health information about pulmonary embolism: Assessing the quality, usability and readability of online and offline patient information.

Objective: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common cardiovascular disease worldwide. However, public awareness is considerably lower than for myocardial infarction or stroke. Patients suffering from PE complain about the lack of (understandable) information and express high informational needs.

[Health literacy and nonurgent emergency department visits].

Background: The number of patients with nonurgent health conditions using emergency departments (ED) is growing steadily. It is unclear however whether this is associated with limited health literacy of patients.

Objectives: This study aims to explore the health literacy of patients with nonurgent conditions in an ED, compare it with the health literacy of the general population and identify relationships between health literacy and patients' views on emergency care.