The HLKES-2: Revision and Evaluation of the Health Literacy Knowledge and Experiences Survey

BACKGROUND: Low health literacy impacts individual health and the health care system. The Health Literacy Knowledge and Experience Survey (HLKES) was created to evaluate preparedness of nurses to provide health literate care. However, the instrument was developed a decade ago and needs revision. The purpose of this study was to update and shorten the HLKES into a feasible, valid, and reliable instrument. METHOD: The HLKES was refined into a 14-item instrument (10 knowledge questions and four experience questions). Expert review was obtained. Face validity was assessed, and pilot and field testing with students was conducted. RESULTS: Scale content validity index was 0.95, and individual questions demonstrated appropriate item difficulty and discrimination. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .565 for the 10 multiple choice questions and .843 for the four Likert-type questions, indicating good reliability. CONCLUSION: A reliable and valid HLKES-2 was developed to evaluate health literacy knowledge and experiences in a contemporary setting. [J Nurs Educ. 2019;58(2):86-92.].