Health Science Literacy

Health literacy is the ability to obtain, understand, critically evaluate and apply health information in order to make informed decisions in health care. These competencies are essential for clinicians practicing evidence-based medicine, as well as for researchers and policy makers developing high-quality research and guidelines.

Health Science Literacy provides a practical guide to the evidence-based process: formulating relevant questions, searching scientific literature, critically appraising research, drawing conclusions, communicating and implementing evidence. It introduces core principles of research methodology, common study designs, literature searching in databases such as PubMed and Web of Science, risk-of-bias assessment, levels of evidence and reference management. Learning is supported by practical tips and interactive materials on the online platform Sofia.

This new edition also reflects on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in health sciences, highlighting AI as a supportive tool that requires critical judgment and methodological insight.

Health Science Literacy is designed for students, clinicians, researchers and lecturers active in health care.