1. Prescription for Information: Addressing Health Information Literacy

2. Course Background Core component of a Health Information Literacy Research Project sponsored by the Medical Library Association with funding from the National Library of Medicine.Medical Library Association National Library of Medicine Piloted by hospital-based librarians with over 1100 health professionals in the U.S. and Canada Core component of a Health Information Literacy Research Project sponsored by the Medical Library Association with funding from the National Library of Medicine.Medical Library Association National Library of Medicine Piloted by hospital-based librarians with over 1100 health professionals in the U.S. and Canada

3. Course Objectives At the end of the tutorial, you will be able to: 1. Define health literacy and the challenges patients face. 2. Recognize the impact low health literacy has on patient care. At the end of the tutorial, you will be able to: 1. Define health literacy and the challenges patients face. 2. Recognize the impact low health literacy has on patient care.

4. Course Objectives 3. List strategies to improve health information literacy. 4. Describe health literacy services provided by medical libraries. 3. List strategies to improve health information literacy. 4. Describe health literacy services provided by medical libraries.

5. Part I: Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

6. What Is Health Literacy? Having the capacity to the basic health information services needed obtain process understand to make appropriate health decisions. Health.gov Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

7. What Is Health Literacy? The ability of individuals to health-related information. read act upon understand New York City Mayor's office Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

8. What Is Health Literacy? Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face Health literacy also refers to the capacity of professionals and institutions to communicate effectively so that community members can make informed decisions and take appropriate actions to protect and promote their health. New York City Mayor's office

9. What Is Health Literacy? Health literacy includes things like reading consent forms, medicine labels, and other written health information. Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

10. What Is Health Literacy? Health literacy also involves understanding written or oral information and instructions from health care providers. Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

11. What Is Health Literacy? The last component of health literacy is acting on information to make The last component of health literacy is acting on information to make appropriate health care decisions for oneself or one's family. Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

12. What Is Health Literacy? For discussion: How much responsibility do health professionals have for improving health literacy? For discussion: How much responsibility do health professionals have for improving health literacy? Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

13. Health Literacy Statistics and Trends Two key findings from a 2003 study from the National Center for Education and Statistics: Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have basic or below basic literacy skills. 77 million U.S. adults have basic or below basic health literacy skills. Two key findings from a 2003 study from the National Center for Education and Statistics: Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have basic or below basic literacy skills. 77 million U.S. adults have basic or below basic health literacy skills. Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

14. Health Literacy Statistics and Trends What do these statistics really mean? Most adults having below basic health literacy skills (30 million adults) would not be able to circle the date of their next appointment on a medical appointment slip or identify what is permissible to drink before a medical test based on a set of short instructions. What do these statistics really mean? Most adults having below basic health literacy skills (30 million adults) would not be able to circle the date of their next appointment on a medical appointment slip or identify what is permissible to drink before a medical test based on a set of short instructions. Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

15. Health Literacy Statistics and Trends What do these statistics really mean? Those scoring at a basic level would find it difficult to give two reasons why a person with no symptoms of a specific disease should be tested for the disease based on information in a clearly written pamphlet. What do these statistics really mean? Those scoring at a basic level would find it difficult to give two reasons why a person with no symptoms of a specific disease should be tested for the disease based on information in a clearly written pamphlet. Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

16. Health Literacy Statistics and Trends What do these statistics really mean? Even among the 1 in 9 adults who have proficient (the highest score) health literacy skills, the demands of the health care system and the sheer amount of information there is to process can be challenging and overwhelming! What do these statistics really mean? Even among the 1 in 9 adults who have proficient (the highest score) health literacy skills, the demands of the health care system and the sheer amount of information there is to process can be challenging and overwhelming! Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

17. Health Literacy Statistics and Trends If you would like to see literacy information and statistics for your area, visit your state's Adult Education department site.Adult Education department site Search on "literacy" and see what you find. If you would like to see literacy information and statistics for your area, visit your state's Adult Education department site.Adult Education department site Search on "literacy" and see what you find. Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

18. Factors that Affect Health Literacy Health literacy is dependent on a variety of individual and system factors. Some examples include: Communication skills Numeracy skills Patient and health care provider knowledge about health Culture and language Demands of the health care system Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

19. Factors that Affect Health Literacy For discussion: Describe a time when cultural factors influenced a patient interaction with you. What did you do differently to assure that you and your patient were of a common understanding? For discussion: Describe a time when cultural factors influenced a patient interaction with you. What did you do differently to assure that you and your patient were of a common understanding? Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

20. Health Literacy Screening Tools The Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) Designed to be used in public health and primary care settings to identify patients with low reading levels. Provides reading grade estimates for patients who read below a ninth-grade level. Takes 1-2 minutes to administer by personnel with minimal training. The Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) Designed to be used in public health and primary care settings to identify patients with low reading levels. Provides reading grade estimates for patients who read below a ninth-grade level. Takes 1-2 minutes to administer by personnel with minimal training. Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

21. Health Literacy Screening Tools The Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine-Revised (REALM-R) A shortened version of the REALM. A rapid-screening instrument to assess how well primary care patients read words that they commonly experience and are expected to understand in the course of interacting with their physician. The Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine-Revised (REALM-R) A shortened version of the REALM. A rapid-screening instrument to assess how well primary care patients read words that they commonly experience and are expected to understand in the course of interacting with their physician. Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

22. Health Literacy Screening Tools The Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) Developed using actual hospital materials. Consists of a 50-item reading comprehension and 17-item numerical ability test. Takes up to 22 minutes to administer. The Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) Developed using actual hospital materials. Consists of a 50-item reading comprehension and 17-item numerical ability test. Takes up to 22 minutes to administer. Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

23. Health Literacy Screening Tools Consists of a nutrition label accompanied by 6 questions. Takes about 3 minutes to administer. Reliable and correlates with the TOFHLA. Consists of a nutrition label accompanied by 6 questions. Takes about 3 minutes to administer. Reliable and correlates with the TOFHLA. Part I. Health Literacy and the Challenges Patients Face

24. Part II: The Impacts of Low Health Literacy

25. Why Is Health Literacy Important? Low health literacy is increasingly recognized as a barrier to quality patient care and is linked to: Under-utilization of preventive services such as mammograms, pap smears, and prostate exams Reduced medication adherence, especially in patients 65 and over Continued Low health literacy is increasingly recognized as a barrier to quality patient care and is linked to: Under-utilization of preventive services such as mammograms, pap smears, and prostate exams Reduced medication adherence, especially in patients 65 and over Continued Part II. The Impacts of Low Health Literacy

26. Why Is Health Literacy Important? Less knowledge and understanding of one's own health Poorer management of chronic disease such as diabetes and hypertension Increased risk of hospitalization Less knowledge and understanding of one's own health Poorer management of chronic disease such as diabetes and hypertension Increased risk of hospitalization Part II. The Impacts of Low Health Literacy

27. Why Is Health Literacy Important? All of these factors have financial implications. In other words, low health literacy is associated with increased health care costs. All of these factors have financial implications. In other words, low health literacy is associated with increased health care costs. Part II. The Impacts of Low Health Literacy

28. Why Is Health Literacy Important? In a 2007 health literacy cost analysis, low health literacy was estimated to cost the U.S. health care system between $106 and $238 billion dollars a year, (that’s between 7% and 17% of all the personal health care expenditures). In a 2007 health literacy cost analysis, low health literacy was estimated to cost the U.S. health care system between $106 and $238 billion dollars a year, (that’s between 7% and 17% of all the personal health care expenditures). Part II. The Impacts of Low Health Literacy

29. Why Is Health Literacy Important? A 2005 study out of Emory University found that persons with inadequate health literacy incur higher medical costs use an inefficient mix of services. A 2005 study out of Emory University found that persons with inadequate health literacy incur higher medical costs use an inefficient mix of services. Part II. The Impacts of Low Health Literacy

30. Why Is Health Literacy Important? Health information is key to Patient and provider communication Shared health care decision making Understanding and following directions Recognizing when to seek care Learning and adopting healthy behaviors Health information is key to Patient and provider communication Shared health care decision making Understanding and following directions Recognizing when to seek care Learning and adopting healthy behaviors Part II. The Impacts of Low Health Literacy

31. Why Is Health Literacy Important? Challenges patients face when trying to find and use health information: Health materials are written at reading grade levels that far exceed patients' skills The increasing quantity of questionable health information on the Internet. Challenges patients face when trying to find and use health information: Health materials are written at reading grade levels that far exceed patients' skills The increasing quantity of questionable health information on the Internet. Part II. The Impacts of Low Health Literacy

32. Why Is Health Literacy Important? Part II. The Impacts of Low Health Literacy Need to add video here, but it’s not playing! Grrr.

33. Why Is Health Literacy Important? For discussion: Mrs. Cordell talks about her experience signing a surgical consent form without reading and understanding it. What surprised you most about her story? How might you address her situation? For discussion: Mrs. Cordell talks about her experience signing a surgical consent form without reading and understanding it. What surprised you most about her story? How might you address her situation?

34. Why Is Health Literacy Important? For discussion: Mr. Bell talks about his fear of having others find out he has trouble reading, and that his response has been to walk out of a doctor's office. What might you do differently as a result of hearing his story? Why? For discussion: Mr. Bell talks about his fear of having others find out he has trouble reading, and that his response has been to walk out of a doctor's office. What might you do differently as a result of hearing his story? Why?

35. Part III: Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

36. Info Rx – Prescription for Information Through the InfoRx program, you can order and use pre-printed "prescription" pads that refer your patients to MedlinePlus for information about a condition, drug, or procedure that you have discussed with them. Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

37. Info Rx – Prescription for Information Goal of the InfoRx program: Reduce the number of poor quality Internet searches patients sometimes perform. Goal of the InfoRx program: Reduce the number of poor quality Internet searches patients sometimes perform. Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

38. Info Rx – Prescription for Information Remember that some conditions have both clinical and layman's names, such as "hypertension" and "high blood pressure." You may want to write both on an InfoRx prescription so the patient can look it up either way. Remember that some conditions have both clinical and layman's names, such as "hypertension" and "high blood pressure." You may want to write both on an InfoRx prescription so the patient can look it up either way. Tip Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

39. Info Rx – Prescription for Information Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

40. Info Rx – Prescription for Information “A gentleman came in to the medical library with an Information Rx looking for very specific information about a rare complication from a surgical procedure he had. We looked in our textbooks and online databases. It was nice having the Information Rx sheet and using the provider’s terms to try and locate the information.” – Martha Prescott, Medical Librarian, Berkshire Medical Center, Berkshire, MA “A gentleman came in to the medical library with an Information Rx looking for very specific information about a rare complication from a surgical procedure he had. We looked in our textbooks and online databases. It was nice having the Information Rx sheet and using the provider’s terms to try and locate the information.” – Martha Prescott, Medical Librarian, Berkshire Medical Center, Berkshire, MA Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

41. Info Rx – Prescription for Information “I had two high-risk pregnant patients come in to use the library. One patient was interested in cesarean delivery information which we explored through MedlinePlus. She was able to look at the information to get a better understanding of the procedure and alleviate some of her fears.” – Andrea Harrow, Medical Library, Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angles, CA “I had two high-risk pregnant patients come in to use the library. One patient was interested in cesarean delivery information which we explored through MedlinePlus. She was able to look at the information to get a better understanding of the procedure and alleviate some of her fears.” – Andrea Harrow, Medical Library, Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angles, CA Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

42. Understanding Medical Terminology Beyond referring your patients to quality, authoritative websites, there are some other things you can do to help them better understand health information… Beyond referring your patients to quality, authoritative websites, there are some other things you can do to help them better understand health information… Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

43. Understanding Medical Terminology “Deciphering Medspeak” brochures help translate complicated medical terms into plain language. Topics include breast cancer, diabetes, eye disease, heart disease, HIV/AIDs, and stroke. “Deciphering Medspeak” brochures help translate complicated medical terms into plain language. Topics include breast cancer, diabetes, eye disease, heart disease, HIV/AIDs, and stroke. Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

44. Understanding Medical Terminology Rx Riddles Solved is a guide to the short- hand often seen on prescriptions. You can provide a printout to patients or the URL. Rx Riddles Solved is a guide to the short- hand often seen on prescriptions. You can provide a printout to patients or the URL. Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

45. Understanding Medical Terminology Understanding Medical Words is an interactive tutorial that helps patients better understand how medical words are formed so that they can interpret them more easily. Understanding Medical Words is an interactive tutorial that helps patients better understand how medical words are formed so that they can interpret them more easily. Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

46. Understanding Medical Terminology The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Marketing has developed a Plain Language Thesaurus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Marketing has developed a Plain Language Thesaurus. Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

47. Using the Teach-Back Method Teach-Back Method, also known as the “show-me” method or “closing the loop” You ask patients to state in their own words the key concepts, decisions, or instructions that you just discussed. Teach-Back Method, also known as the “show-me” method or “closing the loop” You ask patients to state in their own words the key concepts, decisions, or instructions that you just discussed. Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

48. Using the Teach-Back Method Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

49. Using the Teach-Back Method For discussion: The previous video demonstrated the "teach-back" method as a way to assure patient understanding. What are your impressions of this method? Have you ever used it yourself? If so, was it useful in your opinion? For discussion: The previous video demonstrated the "teach-back" method as a way to assure patient understanding. What are your impressions of this method? Have you ever used it yourself? If so, was it useful in your opinion? Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

50. Facilitating Patient-Provider Interactions The National Patient Safety Foundation, in partnership with Pfizer, has developed a program called "Ask Me 3.”Ask Me 3 The National Patient Safety Foundation, in partnership with Pfizer, has developed a program called "Ask Me 3.”Ask Me 3 There are two aspects of the program – one for patients and one for providers. Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

51. Facilitating Patient-Provider Interactions Providers should encourage their patients to ask three questions each time they come in for an appointment: What is my main problem?What do I need to do?Why is it important for me to do this? Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

52. Facilitating Patient-Provider Interactions Tips for increasing patients' comfort level with asking questions:  Creating a safe environment where patients feel comfortable talking openly.  Using plain language instead of technical or medical jargon.  Sitting down (instead of standing) to achieve eye level with your patient.  Using visual models to illustrate procedures or conditions. Tips for increasing patients' comfort level with asking questions:  Creating a safe environment where patients feel comfortable talking openly.  Using plain language instead of technical or medical jargon.  Sitting down (instead of standing) to achieve eye level with your patient.  Using visual models to illustrate procedures or conditions. Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

53. Facilitating Patient-Provider Interactions “Questions are the Answer,” a website hosted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, has a more extensive list of questions that patients can ask providers, such as:Questions are the Answer  What is this test for?  When will I get the results?  Why do I need this surgery?  Are there any alternatives to surgery?  How do you spell the name of that drug? “Questions are the Answer,” a website hosted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, has a more extensive list of questions that patients can ask providers, such as:Questions are the Answer  What is this test for?  When will I get the results?  Why do I need this surgery?  Are there any alternatives to surgery?  How do you spell the name of that drug? Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

54. Why Go to the Internet? The number of online health information seekers continues to increase. That’s an increase of 37% over two years. The number of online health information seekers continues to increase. That’s an increase of 37% over two years. Number of U.S. adults who have ever searched for health information online 200520062007 117 million136 million160 million Source: 2007 Harris Interactive Poll Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

55. Why Go to the Internet? Those who actively research their health concerns report positive impacts: More than half change their overall approach to maintaining their health. 4 in 5 state that researching helped them better understand how to treat an illness or condition. continued Those who actively research their health concerns report positive impacts: More than half change their overall approach to maintaining their health. 4 in 5 state that researching helped them better understand how to treat an illness or condition. continued Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

56. Why Go to the Internet? Web pages are easier to update than print materials, and currency is especially important when it comes to health information. Computers are more easily accessible to people now than ever before. Web pages are easier to update than print materials, and currency is especially important when it comes to health information. Computers are more easily accessible to people now than ever before. Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

57. Best Starting Places on the Web MedlinePlusMedlinePlus is the National Library of Medicine's consumer health portal intended for both patients and health professionals. Much of the site is available in Spanish, with other languages represented as well. MedlinePlusMedlinePlus is the National Library of Medicine's consumer health portal intended for both patients and health professionals. Much of the site is available in Spanish, with other languages represented as well. Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

58. Best Starting Places on the Web MedlinePlus provides: Information on more than 750 health topics and on drugs and herbal supplements A full-text medical encyclopedia Current health news Links to information from the National Institutes of Health and other trusted sources Interactive tutorials that are particularly appropriate for patients with low health literacy MedlinePlus provides: Information on more than 750 health topics and on drugs and herbal supplements A full-text medical encyclopedia Current health news Links to information from the National Institutes of Health and other trusted sources Interactive tutorials that are particularly appropriate for patients with low health literacy Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

59. Best Starting Places on the Web Hosted by the Nemours Foundation, KidsHealthKidsHealth provides information about health, behavior, and development from before birth through the teen years. The website has sections tailored for parents, kids, and teens Content is reviewed regularly by a team of pediatricians and other medical experts. Hosted by the Nemours Foundation, KidsHealthKidsHealth provides information about health, behavior, and development from before birth through the teen years. The website has sections tailored for parents, kids, and teens Content is reviewed regularly by a team of pediatricians and other medical experts. Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

60. Best Starting Places on the Web NIHSeniorHealth Contains information for seniors and their caregivers Includes built-in accessibility features including large text, high contrast, and a talking feature. Includes a Toolkit for Trainers that you can use to help older adults search for online health information.Toolkit for Trainers NIHSeniorHealth Contains information for seniors and their caregivers Includes built-in accessibility features including large text, high contrast, and a talking feature. Includes a Toolkit for Trainers that you can use to help older adults search for online health information.Toolkit for Trainers Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

61. Best Starting Places on the Web The Medical Library Association created a list of “Top Ten” health websites:“Top Ten” The Medical Library Association created a list of “Top Ten” health websites:“Top Ten” Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

62. Best Starting Places on the Web The sites were evaluated on the following criteria: CredibilityAudienceCurrency ContentPurposeDisclaimers DisclosureLinksInteractivity DesignSponsorship/authorship Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

63. Best Starting Places on the Web Multilingual Health Information Refugee Health Information Network (RHIN) Refugee Health Information Network Selected Patient Information Resources in Asian Languages (SPIRAL) Selected Patient Information Resources in Asian Languages EthnoMed Multilingual Health Information Refugee Health Information Network (RHIN) Refugee Health Information Network Selected Patient Information Resources in Asian Languages (SPIRAL) Selected Patient Information Resources in Asian Languages EthnoMed Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

64. Best Starting Places on the Web Exploring Health Information Websites – Exercise 1 Go to MedlinePlus.gov and click on “Health Topics.”MedlinePlus.gov Click on the letter “H” in the alphabetic list and scroll down to the link for “High Blood Pressure.” List three (3) organizations that provide information to MedlinePlus about high blood pressure. Exploring Health Information Websites – Exercise 1 Go to MedlinePlus.gov and click on “Health Topics.”MedlinePlus.gov Click on the letter “H” in the alphabetic list and scroll down to the link for “High Blood Pressure.” List three (3) organizations that provide information to MedlinePlus about high blood pressure. Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

65. Best Starting Places on the Web Exploring Health Information Websites – Exercise 2 Go to KidsHealth.org and click on “Kids site.”KidsHealth.org Navigate to the “Kids Talk” section. Choose “Icky Q & A” and read about “What Happens to Swallowed Gum.” According to the site, when is swallowed gum a problem? Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

66. Best Starting Places on the Web Exploring Health Information Websites – Exercise 3 Go to NIHSeniorHealth.govNIHSeniorHealth.gov Navigate to the section about skin cancer either by clicking on the letter “S” or by browsing through the categories. According to the site, what is one of the main reasons that skin cancer develops? Part III. Strategies to Improve Health Information Literacy

67. Best Starting Places on the Web Exploring Health Information Websites – Exercise 4 Go to the MLA “Top Ten Most Useful Websites” page (http://www.mlanet.org/resources/ medspeak/topten.html) and select one of the sites that you have not already explored.MLA “Top Ten Most Useful Websites” page Give a brief description of the site and explain whether or not you would recommend it to a patient and why.

68. Best Starting Places on the Web Exploring Health Information Websites – Exercise 5 Using one of the following multilingual health information sites, find information about breast cancer in Vietnamese.  Refugee Health Information Network (www.rhin.org) Refugee Health Information Network  Selected Patient Information Resources in Asian Languages (SPIRAL) (www.spiral.tufts.edu/)SPIRAL  EthnoMed (www.ethnomed.org/) EthnoMed Would you provide this information to a Vietnamese-speaking patient? Why or why not?

69. Part IV: Health Literacy Services Provided by Libraries

70. Librarians as Partners Librarians, especially medical librarians, are health information experts. They have the skills to help you and your patients locate appropriate, authoritative information to help meet your needs. They can save you and your patients a lot of time by doing expert research on your requested topic. Librarians, especially medical librarians, are health information experts. They have the skills to help you and your patients locate appropriate, authoritative information to help meet your needs. They can save you and your patients a lot of time by doing expert research on your requested topic. Part IV: Health Literacy Services Provided by Libraries

71. Librarians as Partners When you write an InfoRx, a librarian canInfoRx “fill it” in a number of ways: By preparing an information packet for patients to take home. By demonstrating how to access information either in the library or online. By referring patients to community support services, if needed. continued When you write an InfoRx, a librarian canInfoRx “fill it” in a number of ways: By preparing an information packet for patients to take home. By demonstrating how to access information either in the library or online. By referring patients to community support services, if needed. continued Part IV: Health Literacy Services Provided by Libraries

72. Librarians as Partners If your organization does not have a library, there is a directory of medical libraries available through the National Network of Libraries of Medicine.directory of medical libraries The Medical Library Association can also direct you to other resources and services.Medical Library Association The National Center for Education Statistics has a national directory of public libraries.national directory of public libraries If your organization does not have a library, there is a directory of medical libraries available through the National Network of Libraries of Medicine.directory of medical libraries The Medical Library Association can also direct you to other resources and services.Medical Library Association The National Center for Education Statistics has a national directory of public libraries.national directory of public libraries Part IV: Health Literacy Services Provided by Libraries

73. Librarians as Partners For discussion: If you have used your organization's library or another library to help access health information for you or a patient, how would you describe the experience? What do you see as the biggest benefit to referring a patient to the library for more information? Are there down sides to doing this? For discussion: If you have used your organization's library or another library to help access health information for you or a patient, how would you describe the experience? What do you see as the biggest benefit to referring a patient to the library for more information? Are there down sides to doing this? Part IV: Health Literacy Services Provided by Libraries

74. Part V: Where Do We Go From Here?

75. Take Home Points Access to accurate and reliable health information is critical to health literacy. There are excellent resources and strategies available for you to use to improve health information literacy. Librarians can be your partners in helping to improve health information literacy so that your patients are better equipped to make good health decisions. Access to accurate and reliable health information is critical to health literacy. There are excellent resources and strategies available for you to use to improve health information literacy. Librarians can be your partners in helping to improve health information literacy so that your patients are better equipped to make good health decisions. Part V: Where Do We Go From Here?

76. Take Home Points For discussion: What do you plan to do differently after going through this tutorial? For discussion: What do you plan to do differently after going through this tutorial? Part V: Where Do We Go From Here?

77. Want More Information and Resources? The Medical Library Association has a section of their website dedicated to Health Information Literacy.Health Information Literacy You can visit their website and find links to toolkits, fact sheets, and other resources, including the curriculum that was the foundation for this tutorial. The Medical Library Association has a section of their website dedicated to Health Information Literacy.Health Information Literacy You can visit their website and find links to toolkits, fact sheets, and other resources, including the curriculum that was the foundation for this tutorial. Part V: Where Do We Go From Here?

78. Questions? Part V: Where Do We Go From Here?