October 2016

October is Health Literacy Month

Health Literacy is a relatively recent concept in patient safety. Health Literacy can be defined as the degree to which people have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information in order to make good health decisions. Health Literacy, including oral and written language, as well as numerical fluency, allows for effective communication and is a foundation of patient safety. 

Without clear information and understanding of the tools for self-management and prevention of conditions, people are more likely to take their medications incorrectly and skip necessary medical visits and tests.  Low Health Literacy has been associated with poor health outcomes such as higher rates of hospitalization and less frequent use of preventive services.

We want to encourage patient engagement by delivering appropriate messages and communications to our patients about their care in a way they can understand. Questions about life style goal setting, individual learning preferences and comfort in understanding medical information are methods by which we may identify areas in which we can provide clear patient centered information. Situations and conditions may change that require us to periodically reassess your needs. If you have questions, please reach out to us so that we can help you better receive the care you need.

Additional information on improving patient engagement and the importance of health literacy can be found on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/learn/index.html

As a reminder, please call our office at 919-660-6746 if you are able to join us for our next Signature Care Conversation Series with Dr. Magnus Ohman, "What's that irregular beat?" on October 26th, 5:30 Hilton Garden Inn, 2102 West Main St., Durham, NC  27705.

Thank you for allowing us to participate in your health care.