Health care is more effective when patients understand what they can do to be healthier. But many patients cannot read routine preventive information. To help busy clinicians learn more about what they can do to support patient wellness, the Indian Health Service (IHs) Health Literacy workgroup has developed a 20-minute health literacy and plain-language training module.
The IHS also is:
- Pretesting printed educational materials through focus groups and in-depth interviews to ensure messages are clear;
- Revising the IHS website;
- Hosting webinars on health literacy; and
- Planning to refresh and promote “As Me 3” campaign, which encourages patients to ask 3 specific questions of their providers to better understand their conditions.
In addition to taking the training module, available at the Learning Management System, the IHS suggests clinicians participate in ongoing training in health literacy, plain language and culturally and linguistically appropriate services; use the “health factor” tab in the electronic health record to assess and document the patient’s level of understanding; and learn about the teach-back technique to enhance patients’ understanding.