Health Literacy Flashcards
what is literacy
read and understand
what is health literacy
degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and service needed to make appropriate health decisions
who does limited health literacy effect?
everyone, affects people of all social classes
who is most susceptible to limited health literacy?
- elderly
- minorities
- medically underserved
- below poverty line
- low education level
- limited english proficiency
examples of struggles people with limited health literacy face?
- locating providers and services
- filling out forms
- sharing medical Hx
- seeking preventative healthcare
- knowing connection between risky behaviors & illness
- managing chronic health conditions
- understanding directions on medications
- complying with treatment plans
examples of written communication requiring medical literacy
- prescriptions
- informed consent
- discharge plans
examples of verbal communication requiring medical literacy
- ability to give clear history
- ability to ask/answer ?s
- ability to understand instructions
- ability to understand terms
7 guidelines for improving PA-PT interactions
- create a shame free environment
- offer to help with forms
- ask the pt to bring all medication
- invite the pt to bring a friend
- discuss 2-3 concepts at a time
- repeat instructions
- write down it appropriate
5 steps to improving communication?
- conduct pt-centered visits
- explain things clearly in plain language
- focus on key messages and repeat
- use teach/back technique
- use educational materials
1st step to improving communication & examples
conduct pt centered visits
- engage in dialogue w/ pt
- listen more
- speak less
- encourage questions
- address concerns
- use interpreter
2nd step to improving communication & examples
explain things clearly in plain language
- slow down
- use analogies
- avoid jargon
3rd step of improving communication & examples
focus on key messages & repeat
- limit information (1-3 messages per visit)
- review each point & repeat many times
- have other staff members reinforce key messages
4th step of improving communication & examples
use teach back technique
- don’t ask if they understand
- ask them to show you what they need to understand
5th step of improving communication & examples
use education materials
- show/draw pictures
- focus on key points
- emphasize what pt should do
- be sensitive to cultural preferences
- provide info in primary language (handouts)
- ask interpreter to write things down in primary language
