Health and Literacy Crouse Nurse Practice Council Marsha L. Tait, National Coalition for Literacy Donna Valerino, Literacy Volunteers of Greater Syracuse

PresentationHighlights Presentation Highlights The Scope of Adult Literacy Globally and in the US The 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy The NAAL Health Literacy Report Tips and Techniques for Health Care Providers Resources

Global Adult Literacy The UN defines illiteracy as: Having no reading and writing skills at all UNESCO estimates more than 770 million adults are illiterate Two-thirds of illiterate adults are women UN Decade of Literacy: Cut illiteracy in half by 2015

The 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) was the first examination of the literacy skills of Americas adults in more than a decade A nationally representative household survey of more than 19,000 adults, including adults in prison

NAAL: What is Adult Literacy in the US? Definition: using printed and written information to function in society, to achieve goals, and to develop knowledge and potential.

2003 NAAL Key Findings 11 million adults are Non-literate in English 30 million adults have Below Basic Literacy skills 63 million adults have Basic Literacy skills

Why Should You Care? Poor Health Outcomes: Poor Health Knowledge Less Frequent Screening and Preventive Care Increased Use of Emergency Rooms Increased Hospitalization Higher Rates of Disease and Mortality Baker et al, 1997

Patient Interviews

Special NAAL Report: Health Literacy Definition: The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health literacy information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. ?

AMA Definition of Health Literacy Definition: the ability to read and comprehend prescription bottles, appointment slips and other essential health-related materials required to successfully function as a patient.

NAAL Estimate of Health Literacy Skills

Who needs help with health literacy? "We are your family-members; we are your neighbors; we are your co-workers. We are small-business owners; we are first- responders. We are among the working poor; we are millionaires. Few ever know our truth. Because of shame and stigma, we keep it hidden."

Characteristics of Population with Low Health Literacy

Gender More men (16%) than women (12%) had Below Basic or Basic Literacy Skills Less men (51%) than women (55%) had Intermediate literacy skills Men had lower average health literacy scores (242) than women (248)

Older Americans Adults aged 65+ had the lowest average health literacy scores More Americans aged 65+ had Below Basic or Basic Skills than any other age group ( %) Adults with Medicare and Medicaid or no health insurance had the lowest average health literacy scores

Health Condition Self-Assessment

Sources of Health Information

Information from Professionals

Information From Other People

Information From Print

Information From The Internet

Where are they getting it? A higher percent of adults with Below Basic or Basic literacy skills cited radio and television as their primary source of health information.

Factors Affecting Patient Provider Communication Additional factors that may hinder understanding: Intimidation, fear, vulnerability Shock upon hearing a diagnosis Extenuating stress within the patient's family Multiple health conditions to understand and treat

Make Effective Communications an Organizational Priority Address Patients Communication Needs Across the Continuum of Care Pursue Policy Changes that Promote Improved Provider-Patient Communications

Signage

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

What Can You Do? Create a safe environment where patients feel comfortable talking openly with you Use plain language instead of technical language or medical jargon Sit down (instead of standing) to achieve eye level with your patient Use visual models to illustrate a procedure or condition Ask patients to "teach back" the care instructions you give to them From Askme3.org

Avoid Jargon Hypertension vs High Blood Pressure Fatigued vs Tired Acetaminophen vs Tylenol Febrile vs Feverish Myopathy vs Muscle Aches

NYS Patients Rights Advance directives are verbal or written instructions made by you before an incapacitating illness or injury… Advance directives communicate that your wishes about your treatment be followed if you are too sick or unable to make decisions about your care. Advance directives include but are not limited to a health care proxy, a consent to a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order recorded in your medical record, and a living will.

Simplify, Simplify, Simplify! Wikipedia Colonoscopy is the endoscopic examination of the large colon and the distal part of the small bowel with a CCD camera or a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus. It may provide a visual diagnosis (e.g. ulceration, polyps) and grants the opportunity for biopsy or removal of suspected lesions.

Is Consent Informed?

Advocacy Americans are anticipated to spend $45.5 Billion on their pets in 2009! American Pet Products Association

Health Literacy Resources

Clear Communication What is clear to you is clear to you. Every patient should be a full partner in his or her medical decisions. This requires crystal-clear communication that is done with compassion and mutual respect. ~~ Toni Cordell, former adult literacy student and health literacy advocate

And Remember… Marsha L. Tait Donna Valerino