First, we would like to commend the authors for taking on this complex issue of the relationship between health literacy and surgical outcomes.¹ As a fellow surgeon and professor, I (R.C.) know that surgeons are rarely singled out for exceptional communication skills. I am happy that my colleagues are entering the field of health literacy.

We are both aware that clear, succinct, understandable, and health-literate preoperative and postoperative instructions can be a significant determinant of the outcomes and the cost of care. Health literacy affects every person, health professional, and type of prevention or care. Yet, health literacy remains an afterthought or academic discussion rather than a common and essential daily practice that is integrated into every encounter.^2- 4

首先，我们要赞扬作者对健康素养与手术结局之间关系这一复杂问题的研究。¹作为外科医师和教授的同伴，我（RC）知道，外科医师很少会因出色的沟通技巧而被挑出来。我很高兴我的同事们进入健康素养领域。

我们俩都知道，清晰，简洁，可理解且具有健康知识的术前和术后指导可能是决定结局和护理成本的重要因素。健康素养会影响每个人，卫生专业人员以及预防或护理的类型。然而，健康素养仍然是事后才进行的或学术性的讨论，而不是每一次相遇中都必须遵循的普遍而必要的日常实践。^{2 - 4}