Health Literacy, Website Usability, and User-Centered Design

The main aim of this research is to collect information regarding the health literacy problem in the United States. It is important for individuals to participate more actively in understanding their health problems so that they can communicate effectively with physicians and health care providers and be more informed about their health problems. The usability of any software application or website can be a vital component to the overall functionality, that is likely to effect the consumers perception and desire to utilize. Different factors will be analyzed to assess website usability and the importance of health literacy.;Information will be collected by surveying 15 students aged between 16 and 28 years. The participants will complete the survey and hypothetical scenarios regarding selection of a health insurance policy through the Minnesota Health Insurance Marketplace (MNsure.org). In addition, two assessments will be completed, the first assessment is the Newest Vital Sign (NVS), which is a valid and reliable screening tool that identifies patients at risk for low health literacy. Second, participants will complete a usability assessment of the state of Minnesota's Health Insurance Marketplace (MNsure.org). This assessments consists of 25 questions based on a 7 point Likert Scale of the state of Minnesota's Health Insurance Marketplace (MNsure.org).;In summary, the Internet is an effective tool for disseminating health care information and enhancing communication between patients and health care providers. In addition, patients are increasingly using the Internet to search for health information. Therefore, by producing more effective, informative messages, communicators have the capability to improve health care. In addition to increased patient knowledge and understanding of the health problem, patients' increased competence is likely due to their search for health information on the Internet.