Low Vision Final Study Guide Part 1 Flashcards
Health Communication & Computer Accessibility
Health Communication
“Using printed and written information to function in society, to achieve one’s goals, and to develop one’s knowledge and potential.”
Literacy
Health communication
At what grade level do most American high school graduates read?
8th Grade Level
Health communication
What are two reasons that older adults have lower literacy levels?
- Fewer years of formal education
- Age-related cognitive declines in reading
Health communication
What is the relationship between education and health literacy?
Education level is NOT an indicator of health literacy, only measures years a person attended school.
Health communication
At what reading level are most health education materials written?
10th Grade reading level
Health communication
What are some ways in which LV affects reading?
- decreases reading accuracy
- slow reading speed
- Increases effort
- May reduce reading Comprehension
Health communication
What are the six text quality characteristics for which LV readers are more susceptible?
- Letter size
- Contrast
- Spacing
- Color of text
- Color of page
- Text luminance
Health Communication
Be able to recognize observable behaviors that might indicate decreased health literacy.
- Incomplete or inaccurate completed forms
- Missed appointments
- Non-compliance with medication regimen
- Lack of follow through with recommendations
Health Communication
What are some informal ways to assess health literacy?
“Brown bag” medication review:
* During session, bring or review
* Name med, explain purpose, how and when to take.
* Note if they label or ID by looking at pills
* Ask questions to assure they have not simply memorized
Form information:
* Sign name and fill out a short form
* Locate information on a form or handout
* Summarize health education information (teach back method)
* Find and read nutrition information on a food label
Health Communication
Be able to identify general principles for effective oral communication.
use simple plain language:
1. slow down use
2. non-medical langauge
3. Short words and sentences
4. Long, unfamiliar words decrease speed and comprehension
5. Include only essential information:
* Limit amount of information given at each visit
* 1 or 2 most important things per visit
* Always review information during visit and at next visit
Health Communication
Be able to describe the “teach back” method.
- Dont simply ask, “Do you understand”?
- Ask patient to teach back or explain/demonstrate the information provided orally (or written).
- If explanantion or demonstration is inaccurate, assume you did not provide adequate teaching.
- reteach with an alternate approach
Health Communication
What two factors of written communication influence reading performance for all patients?
- Patient’s reading grade level
- Readability of the materials the patient will use
Health Communication
Be able to identify the three “Ask Me 3” questions.
Always encourage your patient/client to make sure they understand why they are being asked to do something
1. What is the main problem
2. What do I need to do?
3. Why is it importnat for me to do this?
Health communication
Be able to identify a sentence that is the most “readable” given its written characteristics.
Name some Word Choices:
- Use common everyday words: “Must” instead of “Shall”
-
Avoid Multi syllable words: “Do” instead of “perform”
3.** Use personal pronouns** > “You” - Use action Verbs
- Use present tense: “You take 3 times daily”
- Use postive rather than negative words: Do instead of dont
- Avoid technical words & medical jargon: Blind spot instead of scotoma
- Avoid abbreviations and acronyms: Left eye rather than OS
Health Communication
What additional factor of written communication should be considered for low vision and older adult patients?
Visibility of ready materials
Health communication
Be able to identify a sentence that is the most “readable” given its written characteristics.
Name some diff types of Sentence structure:
- Use shorter sentences- 15 words or less
- Avoid semi colons
- Avoid double negatives: Instead of “dont forget to turn on the light on your magnifier”, USE: “turn on the light in your magnifier”
- Include only what the reader needs to know
- Provide example for difficult concepts
-
Be direct
7.** Put the context first by stating the needed action, followed by descriptive information. **
Health communication
Which Readability formula is available as part of microsoft Word?
Flesch-Kincade
Health communication
What is the minimum print size to use when considering visibility for reading materials?
Minimum 16-18 pionts or larger
Health communication
Be able to select the highest contrast text from different options.
Avoid all color contrast but black and white
* Red, white, blue less visible
Health communication
What styles of typeface is good for visibility and what should be avoided?
- Bold typeface- more readable
- Mixed typeface- more reable than
* ALL CAPS
* Slanted text - Line spacing- aminimum of 1.25 spaces between lines, or 25-30% of the point size
Health communication
What types of fonts are preferable for visibility, and which should be avoided (generally speaking).
Prefered: San Serif Fonts> Helvetica, Arial, Calibri
* Choose fonts with increased spacing between words (hepls reader find the beginning of words)
Avoid: Condensed font & fonts with serifs> Times New Roman
Computer Accessibility
What is the relationship between older adults and computers/cell phones/ Are they users?
Older adults are one of the fastest growing computer and internet user groups.
* 80% of older adults report owning a cellphone of any kind.
Computer Accessibility
What cognitive change is considered “normal” with aging?
Normal cognitive change with age is reduced processing speed
Computer Accessibility
What are three things that can be done to promote participation in the presence of reduced processing speed?
- Slow down when teaching skills
- Repitition
- Provide encouragement
