Even well educated people with strong reading and writing skills may find they have trouble understanding a medical form or their doctor’s instructions regarding a prescription or medical procedure. Health literacy is not simply the ability to read. Mary Kay Brooks will tell us more about health literacy and an upcoming Health for Your Lifetime event. Mary Kay is a registered nurse and director of Clinical Quality, Safety and Performance Improvement at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
What does the term ‘health literacy’ mean?
Health literacy is the ability to read, understand, or make decisions based on basic health information services. It’s estimated that nationally, two out of every five adult Americans have low health literacy; and closer to home, it’s estimated that 38 percent of Iowans are at risk, as well.
What makes health information difficult for so many people to understand?
The health care setting and the information we provide can be very overwhelming—especially to people who aren’t feeling well. People who have difficulty reading or performing basic math problems, or have English as a second language, are all at greater risk for having low health literacy. The basic skills that are needed for people to be able to correctly follow their instructions on medication bottles, follow through with necessary tests, or even be able to make basic decisions about their care is all impacted.
How do you typically suggest someone learn how to becoming health literate?
Anyone entering the health care system really needs to be ready to speak up and take an active role in their care. After every appointment, you need to make sure that you know three basic things: what my main problem is, what I need to do, and why it’s important for me to do this. It’s very important to have that voice in your care and treatment. Be sure to write down and ask all the questions that you have, or bring someone with you to be your voice if you aren’t feeling up to it.
Tell us about the upcoming Health for Your Lifetime event next week. When is it? What time? Where?
Our event, “Health Literacy 101: What You Need to Know,” will be held Tuesday, November 16, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center on 1st Avenue in Coralville, Iowa.
Who should attend next Tuesday evening’s event?
Anyone who is interested in becoming a more active team member in their health care should come. Future or current patients, parents, children, or friends—any of these folks will benefit from this event by learning the basics on how to ensure a good health care experience for you or your family.
Aside from yourself, who will be presenting and answering questions with regard to health literacy information?
Mindy Egeland, who’s the director of our Patients’ Library, and Ann Tabor, who’s the nutritional supervisor for the Center for Disabilities and Development, will also be there with me to help provide the educational introduction to health literacy.
What sorts of topics will be covered with regard to health literacy?
We will be discussing how to improve your health literacy, tips for talking with your health care providers, how health literacy is connected to patient safety, and then we will also be providing some hands on time to complete medication pocket cards and medical history forms. Both of these are very important to have with you when you enter the health care system.
Do people need to register or pay a fee to attend?
This is a free event, but registration is encouraged. You can contact us at 319-356-1049, or toll free at 877-MEDIOWA, or you can also sign up online at www.uihealthcare.com/register. |
