The field of health care demands that there is a common understanding between the health care practitioners and the patients. This mutual understanding is usually hard to achieve if the level of health literacy is below the expected threshold. Take for example a developed nation like the United States; statistics indicate that only 12% of the U.S adults have the required health literacy skills (“AHRQ Health Literacy”, 2010). This level of literacy is too alarming and especially with the current demands of the upcoming complex health care systems.
After reviewing the AHRQ Website, I was confronted with many thoughts. Firstly, the level of health literacy is below the standards. Secondly, many lives are either lost or endangered due to lack of sufficient knowledge on the matters of saving life. Thirdly, there is the need for health care centers to conduct a series of health care seminars the community at large aimed at improving the health literacy levels. Important health lesson should be incorporated in the basic education program so that nearly all people acquire the required basic knowledge in the health care practices to help in expanding the level of health literacy.
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In order to help in improving the level of health literacy, a doctor or any other medical attendant can incorporate various strategies in everyday practice. For instance, the attendant should always assume that all patients are health illiterate and always endeavor to avail any necessary information to all patients (Carmona, 2015). Use plain language as much as possible in order to make all patients understand every bit of information concerning health. A doctor should always endeavor to evaluate the patients’ understanding of health issues. Then deliver any necessary information to the patient in a polite and friendly manner. A doctor should always acknowledge the patients’ cultural differences and treat all patients with dignity, so that they can earn him or her respect and confidence. This helps the patients to listen to the doctors carefully and gasp all information passed on to them. The attendant should always be sure to provide simple information precisely to enhance the patients’ understanding. Where possible, supplement instructions with symbols. Instructions presented in written form should be made as clear as possible. Always show your willingness to give any needed information by the patients.
References
AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit: 2nd edition. Downloaded on https://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/quality-patient-safety/quality-resources/tools/literacy-toolkit/index.html
Carmona, R. (2015). Health literacy: hidden barriers and practical strategies. (Online). Retrieved from https://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/quality-patient-safety/quality-resources/tools/literacy-toolkit/tool3a/index.html
National Center for Education Statistics: The Health Literacy of America's Adults. (2006). https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2006/2006483.pdf. (Online). Downloaded on
