Health Information Literacy

Question 1

Reasons for non-compliance

Answer 1

• Concerns about side effects
• Resistance to change
• Stigma of medication
• Lack of perceived benefits
• Cost
• Lack of trust in physician
• ** Does not understand instructions or regimen

Question 2

What is health information literacy?

Answer 2

The ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services to make appropriate health decisions

Question 3

General illiteracy in America

Answer 3

21% are functionally illiterate- read below 5th grade level

25% are marginally illiterate- read between 5-8th grade level

Question 4

What must you be able to do to be literate

Answer 4

read at an 8th grade level

Question 5

Health Literacy Levels

Answer 5

Proficient
Intermediate
Basic
Below basic

Question 6

Why is health literacy important?

Answer 6

Pts with limited health literacy are:

• Twice as likely to be admitted on ER visits
• 5x more likely to take medication incorrectly
• 7x more likely to miss appointments
• Engage in far more risky behaviors
• 3x more likely to use ER as primary care facility

Question 7

Limited health literacy problems in asthmatics

Answer 7

• Less likely to know how to use an inhaler correctly

- Signs of an attack

Question 8

Limited health literacy problems in diabetics

Answer 8

• Symptoms of hypoglycemia

- Understanding insulin levels

Question 9

Limited health literacy problems in a new parent

Answer 9

• Accurate reading of a thermometer

- Age and weight requirements for OTC medications

Question 10

Red flags that someone is health illiterate

Answer 10

• Eyes wander over page
• Lack of interest in written materials
• Frustration, impatience with forms and handouts
• Incorrect or incomplete forms
• Look at pills rather than label

Question 11

Formal assessments of literacy

Answer 11

• Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM)

- Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA)

Question 12

Challenges highly literate pts often face

Answer 12

1. Medical terminology
2. Function of their body
3. Interpreting numbers
4. Diagnosis of a major issue
5. Complicated or multiple conditions
6. Complex self-care process

Question 13

Universal approach to helping with literacy

Answer 13

• Treat all pts as if they don’t always understand
• Communication: speak slowly, avoid medical jargon, use pictures
• Use entire health care team- medical and nonmedical staff

Question 14

Ask me 3

Answer 14

Be sure the patient understands these

1. What is my main problem
2. What do I need to do?
3. Why is it important that I do this?

Question 15

Teach back method

Answer 15

• Your patient explains the regimen back to you
• Take the responsibility on yourself
• Listen, listen, listen

Question 16

Communication basics

Answer 16

• Create a safe environment
• Build relationships
• Use plain language
• Tell them “why”
• Ask open-ended questions