Health Literacy Foundations
A patient sees “hypertension” written on their medication. They ask what this word means. How would you explain this term in language that is easier to understand?
High Blood pressure
Eating carrots is great for improving your vision!
Myth, while it does have vitamin A which is good for overall eye health, it doesn’t improve vision beyond preventing vitamin A deficiency
What is one reason why it is important to understand a patient’s cultural background in healthcare?
Cultural understanding helps providers deliver care that respects the patient’s values and beliefs, leading to better patient-provider relationships and adherence to treatment
Can you name some common barriers that prevent people from accessing healthcare services?
If you can think of something that would deter you, a loved one, or even a random stranger from receiving care, then it’s a barrier.
What fruit is said to keep the doctor away?
An apple !
A patient who has the flu is asking you why they cannot be prescribed antibiotics for their illness. What would you say to them?
Flu is a virus, antibiotics should only be taken for bacterial infections or bacterial resistance can occur
The flu vaccine can give you the flu.
Myth, the flu vaccine contains inactivated virus particles that cannot cause the flu, though some people may experience mild side effects
A patient from a non-western culture believes in using herbal remedies along with their prescribed treatment. How would you approach this?
Show respect for the patient’s beliefs and discuss potential interactions between herbal remedies and prescribed treatment, working collaboratively to ensure safe choices
A patient who speaks limited English visits a clinic for a follow-up on their recent diagnosis of diabetes. The patient doesn’t fully understand their treatment plan and feels uncomfortable asking questions due to the language barrier. How does a lack of language services in healthcare settings contribute to health disparities?
Take the extra time to look up instructions in different languages, or have an interpreter present to help overcome an easily preventable barrier to health.
What medical drama show has the same name as a medical book that was published in the late 1800s?
Grey's Anatomy (Show)
Grey's Anatomy (Book)
A patient is confused about the difference between a ‘side effect’ and an ‘adverse reaction’ to medication. How would you explain the difference to them?
Side effects are usually common and known minor effects of a medication, but an adverse reaction is usually unexpected and requires immediate medical attention.
Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, not viral infections
Fact. antibiotics target bacteria, so they are ineffective against viruses like those that cause the common cold or flu
Describe how a healthcare provider can approach the subject of end-of-life care with a patient whose culture avoids discussing death directly.
Approach the topic gently by focusing on quality of life, patient comfort, and respecting the patient’s wishes, rather than directly discussing death, to align with cultural sensitivities.
A patient from a racial minority group mentions they’ve felt dismissed by previous healthcare providers and is now hesitant to discuss certain symptoms with you, fearing similar treatment.
Building trust through empathy, transparency, and shared decision-making can improve a patient's experience, adherence, and willingness to engage in future care.
What is the biggest organ in the human body?
Skin
A patient on multiple medications for different conditions complains about feeling overwhelmed by the dosing schedule and asks if it’s okay to 'just take them at the same time all together’' How would you advise them on safe medication management?
Explain that medication can interact with each other and may need specific timing to be effective, offer to help them plan a schedule or use a pill organizer.
Vitamin C supplements prevent colds.
False, vitamin c can reduce the severity and duration of colds but doesn’t prevent them
You are a healthcare provider treating a patient who is a devout Jehovah's Witness and is experiencing severe blood loss following a surgery. They urgently need a blood transfusion, but due to their religious beliefs, they refuse it. Without the transfusion, the patient’s life may be at risk, but they remain firm in their decision. You need to quickly decide how to proceed with their care.
- Patient autonomy
- To us it would mean saving their life, but to them it can also mean a lifetime of suffering.
How do factors like housing, education, and employment affect a patient’s health outcomes, and how can healthcare providers consider these factors in their treatment plans?
- Housing situation can drive things like lifestyle recommendations.
- Education: Avoid complicated medical jargon and speak in a verbiage that matches the scenario.
- Employment: you shouldn’t judge someone based on their occupation. However, you should be aware of what disease or illnesses may be more prevalent based on occupation.
Treat every person in a unique way!
Give an example of a mammal that cannot jump.
Hippo/Elephant/Rhino/Sloth