In talking with an acquaintance about their health recently, I realized they did not know or understand their health issues. They relied on others as their “source” for their medical conditions. I am not referring to someone who is “physically or mentally” unable to understand medical information, but capable of knowing and understanding that information, but chose to defer to others for that information. Being knowledgeable and understanding of your health, being able to communicate that information, and being an advocate for yourself in the medical setting is one aspect of health literacy.
The official definition of health literacy is an individual’s ability to “obtain, communicate, process, and understand basic health information and services,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).National studies have found “health literacy” is remarkably low, with more than 90 million Americans unable to adequately understand basic health information. The studies show this affects people of all ages, races, income and education levels.
Lack of health literacy can have consequences on a patient’s health and outcomes. This is especially true for elderly people. If a person doesn’t know or understand what is wrong with them, it’s difficult to communicate medical history to healthcare providers. Some people might think health literacy doesn’t matter and that it’s the doctor’s job to make healthcare decisions for you, but healthcare decisions should be collaborative between the patient and doctor. You cannot participate in those decisions if you are not knowledgeable about your health.
If a person does not have a basic understanding on how to take their medications, when to go to the emergency room, or how to identify the pertinent medical signs and symptoms, this can have serious consequences. People who don’t understand health information and instructions are more likely to have worse health outcomes and use services like emergency rooms more often than their primarily doctor. And, when sick or in pain, it can be challenging to communicate to healthcare providers, and understand what is being told, even in the best situations.
Health literacy skills are essential for patients so they can make smart healthcare choices, communicate with their doctor, and provide the information they need to advocate for themselves in a medical setting.” During hospitalization, the patient should receive education on their diagnosis, new medications, pertinent signs and symptoms, and when to contact the doctor. It is important if you do not understand how to care for yourself, you talk to your family and healthcare providers, so a plan can be developed.
Many healthcare and hospital systems have education programs and systems designed to improve patient’s health literacy. Pharmacies provide handouts and consultations with prescriptions. Problems resulting from limited health literacy are misinterpretation of warning labels on prescription drugs, such as, “Do Not Chew or Crush”, or “Take Medication with Plenty of Water” and are frequently ignored since patients do not read/understand the relevance of the warning.
Educational pamphlets, booklets, handouts, videos, and on-line programs are available at hospitals, outpatient clinics, and physician offices. Most hospitals now offer health education programs in their community. At St. Therese of Lisieux, educational health lectures are offered usually on the 1st Thursday of the month from 12:30pm-1:30pm and weekly medical/health topics are included in the church bulletin.
So what kind of steps can you take to improve your health literacy? Read the literature you are given by your healthcare provider. Research your illness if you are able, but make sure only to use reputable resources! If videos are played in the physician waiting room, watch them. Be prepared when going to the doctor’s office by writing down questions or concerns before you go. At your appointment, if you don’t understand what is being discussed, ask the doctor to explain it again. If the healthcare provider is talking too fast, or is difficult to understand, let them know. If the doctor is using terminology you do not understand, ask him/her to explain it in “different or simpler” terms. Don’t be embarrassed or intimated by asking them to re-explain it to you again. Take notes or ask him or his office staff to write down information for you if you are being given instructions. It is a good idea to repeat back the information to the doctor to ensure you understand. If you are hard of hearing, make sure your doctor knows so he can talk loud enough for you to hear. If you have a hard time understanding your doctor, ask a family member or trusted friend to be with you to help listen. Once you are home, ask that person to review the information with you. Remember you are an advocate for your own care and if you take the time to educate yourself to the best of your ability, you will enjoy better health outcomes.
Adapted from:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Literacy Basics [accessed October 2019] by Ashley Brookes, https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/learn/index.html.
- The Importance of Knowing What the Doctor Is Talking About – The New York Times (nytimes.com), by Jane Brody, January 30, 2007.
- www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/blog/importance-of-health-literacy, Health Literacy: What Is It and Why Is It Important?, by Ashley Brooks on 11/18/2019