Communicating Effectively with Patients

Question 1

The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process & understand basic HEALTH information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions:

Answer 1

Health literacy

Question 2

Health literacy is dependent on:

Answer 2

individual & systemic factors

Question 3

What individual & systemic factors is health literacy dependent on?

Answer 3

1. communication skills (of patient & professionals)
2. knowledge (of health topics)
3. culture
4. demands of healthcare (and public health systems)
5. demands of the situation

Question 4

Health literacy affects peoples ability to:

1. _____ the healthcare system, including filling out complex forms & locating providers & services
2. ____, such as health history, with providers
3. ______ and chronic-disease management
4. ____ mathematical concepts such as probability & risk

Answer 4

1. navigate
2. share personal information
3. engage in self-care
4. understand

Question 5

A strategy for making written and oral information easier to understand. It is ONE important tool for improving health literacy:

Answer 5

Plain language

Question 6

Communication that users can understand the first time they read or her it:

Answer 6

plain language

Question 7

Key elements of plain language include:

Answer 7

1. organizing info- most important points first
2. breaking complex info into understandable chunks
3. using simple language & defining technical terms
4. using the ACTIVE voice

Question 8

Speaking plainly is just as important as:

Answer 8

writing plainly

Question 9

_____ affects how communicate, understand and respond to health information

Answer 9

culture

Question 10

______ of health professionals can contribute to health literacy

Answer 10

Cultural & Linguistic competency

Question 11

The ability of health organizations and practitioners to recognize the cultural beliefs, attitudes, traditions, language preferences, and health practices of diverse populations, and to apply that knowledge to a positive health outcome:

Answer 11

Cultural competence

Question 12

includes communicating in a manner that is linguistically and culturally appropriate:

Answer 12

competency

Question 13

LEP:

Answer 13

Limited English proficiency

Question 14

For many individuals with ____ the inability to communicate in English is the primary barrier to accessing health information and services

Answer 14

LEP

Question 15

Populations most likely to experience health literacy are: (6)

Answer 15

1. older adults
2. racial & ethnic minorities
3. people with less than high school degree or GED
4. people with low income
5. non-native speakers of English
6. people with compromised health status

Question 16

What factors affect peoples health literacy?

Answer 16

1. education
2. language
3. culture
4. access to resources
5. age

Question 17

The primary responsibility for improving health literacy lies with:

Answer 17

public health professionals & healthcare & public health systems

Question 18

Tips for present treatment plans to patients include:

Answer 18

1. sit facing patient at eye level (never have patient in a reclining position)
2. use language patient can understand
3. avoid using threatening or anxiety-producing terms
4. talk to patient- don’t preach
5. body language
6. don’t give too many details unless asked
7. ask patient to repeat back the information to confirm understanding
8. use models, wax-ups, photos, radiographs, etc. to emphasize key points