Making health information understandable.   According to the Institute of Medicine, nearly half of all Americans – 90 million people – have difficulty understanding or acting on health information. As a social issue, it is referred to as “health literacy.” However, it considers much more than a person’s reading level.

Health literacy also includes comprehension in other areas such as numeracy, conceptual knowledge, writing, listening, and speaking. How well a person understands mathematics and measurement concepts influences medication compliance. The ability to understand cause and effect relationships is fundamental to encouraging behavior change. Language skills to understand terminology and communicate effectively are essential for individuals to be informed consumers in their healthcare decisions.

At Cardium Health, we recognize the profound impact an individual’s health literacy can have on his or her ability to achieve effective clinical outcomes. That is why it is a valuable component to our assessment process. Our Senior Health Management Clinicians evaluate each individual’s ability to understand their condition. We connect with people at their level to help all individuals, especially those struggling to cope either emotionally or cognitively.

In working with participants, Cardium Health primary health coaches put information in a meaningful context. We spend time on the phone explaining concepts such as how to adjust insulin dosages. Rather than just sending a booklet that a participant may not be able to comprehend, our clinicians offer detailed explanations using language and concepts at a level that the participant can understand. We know how overwhelming medical information can be, especially for newly diagnosed patients, so we take the time to “translate” medical jargon into easily understood language. Over time, participants gain confidence and learn to become strong self-advocates for their health.

related links
Clinical Risk   |   Readiness to Change   |   Health Literacy Whitepaper