To check for readability of passages, use the Plain and Simple
Site or your Microsoft Word readability program within the spell
check functionality.
Within Microsoft Word 2003, from the Options menu, select proofing
and check readability statistics.
Clear communication is critical in any education. Principles used
in creating clear and simplified materials can greatly enhance both
staff education and patient education. The principles outlined below
will enhance any educational offering.
Health Literacy
The ability to read, understand and act on basic health information.
S: Health literacy is a public health
issue that affects all age, race and income levels. Addressing the
consequences of low health literacy can greatly improve quality,
safety and patient satisfaction.
B: Health literacy has been identified
as a significant patient safety and quality issue by many hospital
oversight organizations, including the Joint Commission. Literacy
skills are a stronger predictor of an individual's health status
than age, income, employment status, education level or racial/ethnic
group. One out of 5 American adults reads at the 5th grade level
or below. Research suggests people with low literacy make more medication
and treatment errors, are less able to comply with treatments, lack
the skills needed to successfully negotiate the health care system
and are at higher risk for hospitalization.
A: A systematic approach to supporting
the health literacy of children and families is critical in the
care we provide at CHHS. Improving the health literacy of children
and families strongly supports the Health System's Quality and Service
pillars. In addition, the Joint Commission will be formally focusing
attention on health literacy based practices within hospitals in
2011-2012.
R:
- Create a shame-free environment by using a universal
approach with all patients and families.
- Use plain language without medical jargon, acronyms
and abbreviations. Teach medical terms with plain language. Write
materials at a 4th-6th grade reading level.
- Use forms in a limited way and evaluate all forms for
patient friendly format and readability.
- Limit the goals of the visit and provide essential information
as a priority.
- What is your child's main problem?
- What do you need to do? (When should you call a health care
provider?)
- Why is it important to do this?
- Is there any reason you feel you can't do this?
- Check for understanding.
- Use open-ended question such as "What other questions do
you have?"
- Avoid "Do you have any questions?" or "Do you
understand?"
- Use teach-back. Ask them to tell you in their own words what
they heard you say or show you how to do a task. "I want
to be sure I showed you everything you need to know," or
"I want to make sure I did a good job explaining this."
For more resources about health literacy, please contact Carol
Klingbeil MS,RN,CPNP or Karen
Schaefer in Educational Services.
Resources
Patient Family Education and Health Literacy (available on the CHHS intranet)
http://intranet.chw.org/display/PPF/DocID/44373/Nav/1/router.asp
Plain
Language Thesaurus
Document on general word substitution.
Plain
and Simple (Iowa Dept of Public Health)
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