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Plain Language / Health Literacy

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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)