DECEMBER 2024LIFE SCIENCES REVIEW8IN MY OPINIONIN MY OPINIONew medicines which have the potential to transform patients' lives need to be offered to the appropriate patient at the right time; this is important for most medicines but is especially so in the field of gene therapy. Clinicians need to know that new medicines are available and be able to describe potential risks and benefits to patients. Patients need to understand their options and be able to communicate treatment preferences back to the clinician. Although the concept of shared decision-making between healthcare professionals and patients is simple, fewer than 15 percent of US adults have the health literacy skills needed to engage with and navigate the health care system. Low levels of health literacy have also been reported across Europe and Asia. Health literacy is described as the ability of a patient to read, understand, and use health information. Low health literacy can affect anyone, regardless of race, age, income, or educational level. It differs from fundamental literacy or basic literacy skills but is the cornerstone for shared decision-making. Health literacy allows patients to be active participants in their healthcare. Broad efforts are underway by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Institute for Healthcare Advancement, amongst others, to By Tara Moroz, PhD, Sr. Director, Global Medical Communications and Content | Specialty Care, Rare Disease, Pfizer Inc.GENE THERAPY CLEARLY COMMUNICATED: THE IMPORTANCE OF PATIENT-CENTRICITY, AN OMNICHANNEL APPROACH, AND HEALTH LITERACY NTara Moroz
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