Frequently Asked Questions
Explore answers about Electronic Health Literacy and find references in the eHL Handbook.
What is Electronic Health Literacy (eHL)?
eHL is the ability to seek, find, understand, appraise, and apply health information from electronic sources to address or solve a health problem.
Why is eHL important?
eHL empowers individuals, improves healthcare access, fights misinformation and disinformation, and contributes to better health outcomes in our increasingly digital world.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 3-6
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How is eHL different from health literacy?
Health literacy refers to understanding and using health information in general, while eHL specifically focuses on online sources like websites, apps, and online tools. The skills required for HL are literacy, numeracy, communication, comprehension; for eHL, it includes these plus electronic, media, computer, and information literacy.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 9-17
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Who needs eHL?
Everyone benefits from eHL, especially vulnerable groups such as youth, older adults, people with chronic diseases, and healthcare students/professionals.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 25-28
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Why is eHL important for medical and allied health students?
Strong eHL skills enable students to access evidence-based resources, integrate digital health tools into practice, educate patients, and protect against misinformation. It also prepares them for the digital future of healthcare.
What are examples of eHealth tools or instruments?
Patient portals, health-related mobile apps, telemedicine platforms, wearable devices, symptom checkers, and online health databases.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 63-69
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What psychological factors affect the development of eHL among students?
Two main factors are impostor syndrome (self-doubt that lowers confidence in using digital tools) and self-efficacy (belief in one’s ability to succeed). Impostor syndrome can hold students back, while higher self-efficacy boosts digital confidence and encourages active use of eHL tools and instruments.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 43-52
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What is the connection between impostor syndrome and eHL?
Impostor syndrome may undermine eHL by reducing confidence, help-seeking, and willingness to adapt to digital health tools and instruments. This creates a gap between actual ability and perceived ability.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 43-48
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What is the connection between source credibility and eHL?
Source credibility is at the core of eHL. eHL is not just about finding information but about the critical appraisal and deciding which online sources can be trusted. Enhanced eHL leads to better health decisions.
How does eHL differ for patients and healthcare providers?
For patients, eHL means being able to find, understand, and use online health information to manage their own health and communicate with providers. For healthcare providers, eHL means offering patient-centered digital care, ensuring trustworthy information, using telehealth and electronic health records, and guiding patients in online environments.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 4-5
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How does eHL contribute to managing misinformation and disinformation?
eHL helps people critically evaluate online health information, distinguish credible sources from unreliable ones, and avoid spreading false claims, reducing the impact of misinformation (unintentional errors) and disinformation (intentional deception).
What skills are needed to have a good eHL?
Different models exist, but the most common is the Lily Model, which includes six core types of literacy: traditional, health, information, scientific, media, and computer literacy.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 10-17
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What are the benefits of improving eHL skills?
Better eHL leads to more informed health decisions, stronger communication with patients, improved self-care, reduced health disparities, better use of digital tools like telemedicine, and enhanced professional competence.
Is eHL relevant to mental health?
Yes. eHL supports stress management, promotes mental health apps, reduces stigma via social media, and enhances resilience.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 28
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What are the potential influential factors in reaching good levels of eHL?
Sociodemographic and cultural factors (age, gender, education, socioeconomic status, location), as well as cognitive, situational, and technical factors.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 25-40
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How do age and digital skills relate to eHL?
Younger people usually score higher because they have stronger digital skills and more frequent technology use. Older adults often need extra support and training. Education level also plays a key role.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 25-29
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How can individuals assess their own eHL?
Through tools like eHEALS, DHLI, eHLA, or self-assessment grids that test skills such as searching, evaluating, and applying online health information.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 63-71
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How do language barriers affect eHL?
Language differences can prevent people from understanding health information, leading to misinterpretation and reduced engagement with digital health tools.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 32
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Are there risks if someone lacks eHL?
Yes. Poor eHL can lead to misinformation, misuse of medication, misunderstanding of diagnoses, and lower healthcare engagement.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 25-52
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What populations are at risk for low eHL?
Older adults, people with low education or income, non-native language speakers, and individuals with limited internet or technology access.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 25-52
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Can eHL reduce health differences?
Yes, when promoted equitably, it can bridge gaps in access to care, information, and digital tools among underserved populations.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
No specific handbook pages linked for this question.Viewed 2 times
Can mobile apps improve eHL?
Yes. Well-designed apps can teach health concepts, support medication tracking, and connect users with verified information and professionals.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
No specific handbook pages linked for this question.Viewed 0 times
What role do educational institutions play in promoting eHL?
Educational institutions can integrate digital health education into curricula, teaching students to critically assess online health information and responsibly use health apps.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 75-80
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What is the connection between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and eHL?
AI can strengthen eHL by simplifying, personalizing, and filtering online health information, and eHL is needed to use AI safely and critically, avoiding blind trust or misuse.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 88-89
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How can I improve my eHL?
Practice searching for credible health information online, use trusted sources (e.g., WHO), take courses or webinars, and ask professionals for guidance on using eHealth tools.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 73-80
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How do I know if online health information is trustworthy?
Use reputable sources (government, hospital, or academic websites), check author credentials, recent updates, use the CRAAP test, and avoid sensational or unverified claims.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 73-80
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Can eHL help me in my future professional career?
eHL helps filter credible resources, educate patients, integrate digital tools, and fight misinformation. It enhances both professional competence and role as a digital health guide.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 75-80
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How do I support others with low eHL?
Help them access trustworthy resources, use simple language, demonstrate how to use apps or patient portals, and be patient and supportive.
For more information see The eHL Handbook:
page 75-80
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