Question

What do you think are some system-level changes the healthcare system can adopt to address health literacy?

Answer 1

THE SYSTEM LEVEL CHANGES THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM CAN ADOPT TO ADDRESS AND IMPROVE HEALTH LITERACY ARE:

SPENDING MORE TIME WITH THE PATIENT -  Speak with a pause and spend a little more time with patients/parents. Its very important to remain calm , no matter how hectic the day may be outside that room. Focus on the patient and the time you are spen​ding with them. Listen rather than speak. Clear their doubts, helping them improve their health literacy.

USE OF PLAIN AND NORMAL LANGUAGES - Explaining things to patients using "living-room language"; not medical language. Its important to keep it more simple.

TELL-SHOW-DO - images can improve the patient understanding and recall of ideas. Using brochures with pictures or diagrams definitely improves health literacy

LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF INFO - Using orienting statements: "First I will ask you some questions and then I will listen to your heart." Watch for signs of "tracking", and deliver information in small, digestible bites. Repeat as necessary and then add more information.

USING THE TEACH BACK TECHNIQUE - Confirm that patientsunderstand by asking them to repeat back the instructions; or, ask them, "how would you explain this to your spouse or a friend?" If the patient/parent does not explain it correctly, assume that you have not provided adequate teaching. Try again using another approach.

CREATING A DISGUST AND SHAME FREE ENVIRONMENT, ENCOURAGING PATIENTS TO ASK - Never show any frustration that they didn't catch on the first time. Avoid "Do you understand?" Patients tend to say yes because they don't want to appear stupid. Instead say, "Do you have any concerns that I haven't addressed?" Encourage patients/parents to ask questions.

24X7 ASSISTANCE - Make it clear to patients that if they get home and cannot remember exactly what they are to do, it is okay to call the office for help.

OVERALL A TRANSPARENCY NEEDS TO BE MAINTAINED. ITS A DUTY OF HEALTH CARE GIVERS TO IMPROVE HEALTH LITERACY AND WHICH INDIRECTLY CREATES A DECENT HEALTH ECOSYSTEM