Genomics: A New Challenge in Consumer Health Information Literacy

Abstract

Increased information in genetics research brings a new literacy challenge to both health care consumers and professionals. Broadly defined, genomics literacy is the ability to perceive a need to locate genetic information and to apply this information in a health and medical context. This article focuses on the problem of low genomics literacy for both consumers and health care providers. Although this article does not presume to offer definite solutions, it does outline the tools and methods currently available to help increase genomics literacy at all competency levels. Finally, this article describes the roles of health science librarians as outlined by researchers.

KEYWORDS:

• genomics
• genomics literacy
• genomics resources
• health information literacy