What is eHealth literacy and why is it relevant to patient education?

• A. Ability to read a prescription label.
• B. Skill in operating medical devices.
• C. The ability to seek, evaluate, and use online health information; relevant due to increasing use of digital tools and portals.
• D. Proficiency in scheduling appointments.

Answer: (C)

eHealth literacy is the ability to seek, evaluate, and use health information from online sources and digital tools, including patient portals and health apps. It matters for patient education because much health information now comes from the internet and digital platforms, so patients who can find credible sources, interpret guidance, and apply it to their care can make safer, more informed decisions and communicate more effectively with providers. The other described skills—reading a prescription label, operating medical devices, or scheduling appointments—are important but focus on traditional literacy, technical device use, or administrative tasks, not on navigating and applying online health information.