1. Resources and Techniques for Teaching Health Literacy Lisa K. Southwick, MPAS, PA-C University of New England Portland, Maine

2. What Is Literacy? Literacy can be defined as a person’s ability to read, write, speak, and compute and solve problems at levels necessary to: Function on the job and in society Achieve one’s goals Develop one’s knowledge and potential

3. What Is Health Literacy? Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.

4. What Is Health Literacy? Health literacy affects people’s ability to: Navigate the healthcare system, including filling out complex forms and locating providers and services Share personal information, such as health history, with providers Engage in self-care and chronic-disease management Understand mathematical concepts such as probability and risk

5. Why Is Health Literacy Important? According to the IOM, ½ of the adult population may lack skills to use the U.S. healthcare system. Low literacy has been linked to poor health outcomes. Higher rates of hospitalization and inappropriate use of emergency services Lower use of preventive services and difficulty managing chronic conditions Higher healthcare costs

6. Why Should We Teach It? Good communication is crucial for a successful clinician-patient relationship. Studies have shown that effective communication with patients has a beneficial effect on medical outcomes Breakdowns in communication can lead to confusion, poor health outcomes, and even malpractice lawsuits.

7. Resources and Techniques Introducing the topic AMA Foundation DVD “Health literacy and patient safety: Help Patients Understand” To order the AMA “Help Patients Understand” Kit: http://www.ama- assn.org/ama/pub/category/9913.html http://www.ama- assn.org/ama/pub/category/9913.html Kits can be purchased for $35 through the above web address or by calling (800) 621-8335. If you're calling, mention AMA Bookstore Item #0P221007.

8. Other Techniques Hands-on activity Word Challenge Intermittent Hospitalization Recommendation Cardiovascular Other?

9. Other Resources Unified Health Communication: Addressing Health Literacy, Cultural Competence, and Limited English Proficiency, a free on-line training sponsored by HRSA. It is worth 5 CME Credit Hours for clinicians. Students take the “not for credit” option. This outstanding on-line course is located at http://www.hrsa.gov/healthliteracy/training.htm. USDHHS Website “Tools for Improving Health Literacy” http://www.health.gov/communication/literacy/ http://www.health.gov/communication/literacy/ Health Literacy: Prescription to End Confusion examines the body of knowledge that applies to the field of health literacy, and recommends actions to promote a health literate society and can be purchased at the following website: http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10883 Hardback $44.96, PDF $38.50, Both $58.50 http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10883

10. Bibliography AMA Foundation, Health Literacy and Patient Safety: Help Patients Understand. Unified Health Communication: Addressing Health Literacy, Cultural Competence, and Limited English Proficiency On-line Course Maine Geriatric Education Center, "Health Literacy: Skills for the Next Generation of Care Providers" A 24-hour continuing education program for health professions faculty, May 19 & 20, 2008. USDHHS Website “Tools for Improving Health Literacy”