Question

Dr. Falk and Dr. Keller operate a family medical practice. One afternoon, as they ate lunch in the break room, they discussed an article about health literacy that Dr. Falk was reading in a national news magazine. “There’s been a growing trend toward healthcare organizations becoming health literate,” Dr. Keller said. “The statistics are pretty surprising,” Dr. Falk replied. “More than half of the people surveyed had only basic or below basic health literacy skills.” “Do you think it’s something we should look into at our practice?” Dr. Keller asked. “I think we should,” Dr. Falk replied. While they were talking, Amanda, the office manager, and Jean, one of the nurses, came into the break room to get some coffee. They overheard what the doctors were discussing, and Amanda asked Jean, “What does health literacy mean?” Jean answered, “I think it refers to understanding your own health and knowing what you need to do to stay healthy.”

1. Is Jean’s explanation of health literacy accurate? Why or why not?

2. Do you agree that Dr. Falk and Kr. Keller should address the issue of health literacy in their practice? Why or why not?

3. What are some resources that Dr. Falk and Dr. Kelley can use to improve the level of health literacy at their practice?

Answer 1

1. Health literacy can be defined as the degree to which an individual has the capacity to obtain, communicate , process and understand basic health information and services to make appopriate health decision. it is an important determinant of both public as well as individual health care and is considerd a core element of patient-centered health care, where ptients play an important role in gaining and utilizing information about their health. Hence, Jean's explanation of health literacy is similar and accurate to the actual definition of health literacy

2.People with poor health literacy often perceive poor self-efficiency in regards to deal with their health conditions. Moreover, they are not willing to take part in health care services appropriately which results in inappropriate management of chronic health conditions and diseases. Consequently, increases hospital admissions and higher mortality rates.Limited health literacy is also likely to exhibit impairement in recalling the provided health information and are less efficacious in understanding the prescription as well as taking medications as per direction. In addition, they are unable to implement appropriate strategy to improve the compliance and usually show serious medication errors repeatedly that ultimately tolls high medical expenses.Low health literacy associated with poor knowledge in health, unhealthy behavioral pattern, lower preventive health services utilization and ultimately act as a strong barrier to access health care services resulting in poor health and frequent hospitalization. Hence, I strongly ageree that they should address the issue of health literacy in their day-to-day practice

3.Evidence-based strategies to improve health literacy are emerging from the fields of communication, health care, adult education. Much of the evidence on interventions comes from simplifying and improving written materials , using video or other targeted approaches to patient education , and improving patient-provider communication

Interventions has taken many forms such as:

• Computer based participatory processes
• In-person saturday classes
• Plain language and pictogram medication sheets

These interventions have had many positive results, demonstrated that limited health literacy can be successfully addressed

Adopting-user center design

Studies have shown that picture-based instructions promote better understanding of how to take medication and decrease medication errors among patients. Graphs may be an appealing and informative means of communicating health risk information to adults with low numeracy skills

Using a universal precaution approach

The field of "health literacy" has adopted the idea of "universal precautions"from infectious diseases to make the case that clear communication should be the basis for every health information exchange. By adopting universal precautions, health professionals use clear communication with everyone, regardless of their perceived health literacy skills

Targeting and tailoring communication

Using targeted approaches to communication can improve self management and related health outcomes among patients with limited health literacy

Making Organizational changes

Assessing an organization's strengths and weakness is often the first step in improving the quality. The need for health care sysytem to be more proactive and take responsibilty to meet the needs of the people and reduces the health literacy demands placed on individuals. Some of the changes include, modifying consent processes, redesigning forms in advance to meet low literacy needs and emphazising importance of health literacy training for health care professionals