Introduction as special editors of volume 9

The issue of health literacy has become central in the debate on healthcare communication, particularly when dealing with chronic conditions. In the definition of the World Health Organization, health literacy is identified as “the cognitive and social skills which determine the motivation and ability of individuals to gain access to, understand and use information in ways which promote and maintain good health” 1. Chronic conditions require constant communication and a variety of communicative channels that might provide support for the patients and caregivers, as well as favour adherence to the recommended healthcare practices. While there has been a considerable body of research into doctor-patient discourse, the majority of the studies have focused on oral interaction and on unmediated consultation, exploring the interaction between patient and doctor. The relative scarcity of linguistic studies on other communicative situations highlights the need for further research on the whole range of communicative practices and situations, such as communication with and through caregivers, communication between patients/caregivers themselves, use of print materials or webmediated genres.