Assessing Client’s Literacy
This skill involves the ability to read, understand, and use health information.
Health literacy.
These common paper-based tools, often given during a clinic visit, can explain exercises or provide strategies for the patient.
Printed handouts or pamphlets.
To help more patients understand written materials, it’s recommended to write them at this reading level.
Fifth-grade level.
This team member helps make sure information is easy for patients to understand by using simple language.
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
A quick and easy way to find patient education materials is by checking this place first.
Your workplace or hospital system?
Many times, hospital systems already have contracts with resources!
A common sign that a patient might have low literacy is difficulty filling out this kind of form.
Medical history or health form.
Name one digital format that can be used to educate clients about health conditions or interventions.
Website, video, or app.
The simpler and clearer health information is, the easier it is for patients to do this.
Take action on their health/keep up with the exercises.
These team members can help make patient materials look clear and easy to use by adding pictures or digital tools.
Graphic designers or IT professionals.
When using educational materials from other sources, it’s important to watch out for this legal issue.
Copyright infringement.
Sometimes a patient brings a family member or friend to appointments to help with understanding; this is important to consider when assessing a patient’s...?
Support system/help understanding at home
This type of material/aid helps show patients how to do exercises or daily tasks if they have trouble with reading.
Visual aids.
Patients with low health literacy are at a higher risk for this type of outcome.
Negative health outcomes.
Working with other professionals helps us take care of the whole person. This is called a ______ approach.
Holistic.
This national organization offers low-cost materials about cancer that are easy to share with patients.
The American Cancer Society.
When assessing literacy, providers watch for this behavior, like nodding without asking questions or avoiding reading materials (hint: What is the client NOT doing)
Limited engagement.
When choosing the materials, you should consider how long you will be working with this patient. This is called considering the…?
Setting.
This method involves asking patients to explain information back to the provider to confirm their understanding.
The teach-back method.
If you don’t understand something another team member says, you should do this.
Ask for clarification/don't assume!!
Before handing out materials from a website or program, always check if you need WHAT to use them legally.
A permission or a license?
- Don't refer a patient to a resource they don't have access to/get it for them, or help them get permission.
What is one of the main tests for cognition called?
Mo-CA or Mini-mental.
Name one of the client factors that should be considered when selecting appropriate educational materials.
Health literacy, comfort with technology, and cognitive capacity.
When providing health education, these three qualities help ensure the message is understood.
Accuracy, specificity, and clarity.
OT’s work with others to help meet a patient’s physical, social, and ______ needs.
Cognitive needs.
This website is known for its A–Z list of health topics written in patient-friendly language.
MedlinePlus.