The Role of Technology in Solving the Health Literacy Crisis
The Role of Technology in Solving the Health Literacy Crisis
By RosettaMD
Published August 30, 2025
A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight
Health literacy — the ability to understand and act on medical information — is one of the most overlooked public health challenges of our time. According to U.S. health agencies, nearly 9 in 10 adults struggle to understand their own medical records, test results, or discharge notes.(Health.gov)
This confusion creates more than just frustration. It leads to missed diagnoses, poor treatment decisions, unnecessary anxiety, and higher costs of care.
Why Technology Matters
For decades, health literacy was seen as a patient “education” problem. But in reality, the issue lies in the way complex information is communicated. Modern healthcare systems are full of jargon, acronyms, and test values that even educated patients can’t easily interpret.
This is where technology can play a transformative role:
Natural Language Processing (NLP) makes it possible to translate medical jargon into plain English.
AI-powered platforms can give patients context, not just numbers.
Browser tools and mobile apps can deliver clarity instantly — meeting people where they already are.
RosettaMD’s Approach
At RosettaMD, we believe solving the health literacy crisis requires tools that are:
Free — so access isn’t determined by income.
Private — no logins, no accounts, no ads, no data collection.
Physician-built — designed with medical expertise at the core.
Our platform has already translated over 15,000 documents into plain English, giving patients, caregivers, and families confidence in moments when it matters most.
Looking Ahead
Technology alone won’t solve the health literacy crisis — but it can close the gap faster than traditional education ever could. When paired with compassionate care and patient advocacy, tools like RosettaMD can help millions of people feel less fear and more clarity in their healthcare journey.
The future of healthcare isn’t just about innovation. It’s about understanding.
👉 Try RosettaMD today — it’s free, private, and built to empower you: RosettaMD Chrome Extension
