A new integrative organizational health literacy framework for preventive action through intersectoral collaboration: Results of a landscape review

Abstract

Background Organizational Health Literacy (OHL) refers to the extent to which organizations facilitate equitable access, comprehension, and use of health information and services for informed decision-making. Objective This study aimed to (1) review and map existing OHL frameworks and (2) propose an innovative OHL framework that addresses gaps identified in current models. Methods A systematic search of academic (Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE) and grey literature from the past 15 years was conducted to identify OHL frameworks. This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the Arksey and O’Malley model. A new OHL intervention framework was developed to address gaps in existing models, based on the principles of preventive medicine and the public health action cycle. Results A total of 19 records were included (10 from academic databases and 9 from grey literature), covering diverse approaches and contexts related to OHL. Four intervention levels were identified: integrating HL into formal education, implementing HL assessments, developing interventions for vulnerable populations, and enhancing accessibility to health resources. The proposed framework emphasizes intersectoral collaboration and communication pathways between education and healthcare sectors, facilitating information exchange to continuously adapt interventions to population needs. Conclusion OHL development requires intersectoral collaboration; however, interoperability between sectors remains unaddressed in existing frameworks. This study proposes an innovative model that fosters sectoral connections toward a shared goal, creating a truly collaborative framework.