To Örebro University

Objective: This review aims to describe interventions that promote health literacy in a surgical setting and identify knowledge gaps for future research.

Methods: A scoping review with a systematic search was performed in Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science between January 1, 2012, and January 23, 2024. All screening was conducted using the Covidence software. In total, the search yielded 6 281 articles.

Results: Eighteen articles were included in the results. Studies were heterogeneous regarding the type of health literacy measured, type of surgery, and type of intervention. Most interventions were educational to improve knowledge, decision making or health literacy through digital media, group sessions or consent forms. Most interventions had a positive impact on health literacy.

Conclusions: Patients with limited health literacy may benefit from a variety of interventions. However, research in this area is sparse. Further research is needed into interventions that may be beneficial for patients.

Practice implications: Measure, evaluate and implement health literacy-friendly options to ensure people can make safe and sound decisions for their care. Researchers need to consider the type of health literacy investigated and the type of instrument used in the research.