Health Literacy Flashcards
Health Literacy Impacts
- access to care
- safety of care
- quality of care
- and care outcomes
Institute of Medicine defines health literacy as…
prescription to end confusion
3 Domains of National Assessment of Adult Literacy Study
- clinical
- preventative
- navigation
What did the National Assessment of Adult Literacy find about most adults?
only 12% of them are in the proficient category (out of below basic, basic, intermediate, and proficient)
Health literacy is the ____ predictor of health status.
1
Why is health literacy a hidden problem?
it’s often undetected because those with low literacy may feel ashamed and mask it. they may not know what to ask the doctor so they won’t ask anything at all.
What are some examples of red flags for health literacy?
making excuses, not sticking with medicines or treatments, asking no questions, and missing appointments and tests
How can providers create a shame-free environment?
have an attitude of helpfulness, respect, and caring.
- ask questions to help them open up
- listen and smile, and provide confidential assistance
How can providers improve interpersonal communication?
- slow down and take time
- use plain language “living room language”
- use analogies and pictures, limit to most important points, and REPEAT
What is Ask Me 3?
3 things patients need to know upon leaving the doctor
- diagnosis
- treatment
- context (why is it important?)
What is the teach-back method?
asking patients to demonstrate understanding by asking them to explain what you said.
What is chunk and check?
summarizing one “chunk” of information and checking for understanding throughout
-DON’T ask if they understand because they’ll say yes
What are some ways to use patient friendly materials and forms?
- keep text short and simple
- limit medical jargon
- use bullets and plenty of white space
- limit to 1 to 3 key points
- emphasize what they SHOULD do
What grade level should medical information be written at?
6th grade
