Promoting Health Literacy Through Easy-to-Read Materials
Abstract
Health literacy includes not only finding and understanding health information, but acting on that information to make appropriate health decisions. For many who struggle with basic literacy, health-related tasks such as understanding patient care instructions, reading prescription labels, keeping appointments, and signing consent forms become extremely difficult. In addition, low health literacy has very tangible associated costs, including poor disease management, increased percentage of repeat hospital visits, and incorrect medication use.
This hands-on class will discuss the frequent disconnect between information providers and information seekers. The success of "plain language" initiatives and the importance of text, type, graphics, "white" space, and layout for maximum readability will be covered. Several tools used to evaluate the readability of print materials and patient literacy levels (e.g., Fry, SMOG, REALM, TOFHLA) will be introduced. Participants will have the opportunity to review print materials and websites for their adherence to easy-to-read principles. Websites developed by the National Library of Medicine and other reputable organizations will be introduced. Participants will be motivated to use health information materials to promote increased levels of health literacy in the populations they serve.
Objectives
At the conclusion of the class, participants will be able to:
- Understand various definitions of health literacy and its importance to patient care.
- Identify factors which may contribute to low levels of health literacy.
- Be aware of the role of cultural competency in health literacy.
- Use basic principles of "plain language" to review, evaluate, select, and/or rewrite materials which adhere to easy-to-read principles.
- Identify key players in health literacy awareness and advocacy.
Class Materials
- Agenda
- Handout
- PowerPoint Presentation
(10 mb, rev: Mar 20, 2012)
Continuing Education
Upon successful completion of this class each participant will receive 4 hours of continuing education credit awarded by the Medical Library Association.
Instructors
New England Region
Michelle Eberle, Consumer Health Information Coordinator, 
1(508)856-2435
Pacific Northwest Region
Gail Kouame, Consumer Health Outreach Coordinator, 1(206)221-3449
Pacific Southwest Region
Kelli Ham, Consumer Health and Technology Coordinator, 
1(310)825-5389, 1(310)825-1984
South Central Region
Cheryl Rowan, Public Health Coordinator, 
cheryl.rowan@exch.library.tmc.edu, 1(713)799-7880
Southeastern Atlantic Region
Terri Ottosen, Consumer Health Coordinator, 1(410)706-0099, 1(410)706-2855
Nancy Patterson, Community Outreach Coordinator, 1(410)706-2855
Update Author
Cheryl Rowan, Public Health Outreach Coordinator, NN/LM South Central Region
Original Author
Beth Wescott, former Network Access Coordinator, NN/LM Southeast/Atlantic Region
