MORE FROM HUFFPOST
MORE FROM HUFFPOST
Health literacy
Health illiteracy is a big hurdle ― for patients and politicians alike.
Through our #MaternalMonday online advocacy, we seek to create a tool and platform for health education for every woman and every child.
If we fail to help people understand the complex and powerful emotional factors that may influence health behaviors, and to help people cope with the difficult experience associated with many medical regimens, we are missing a crucial opportunity to improve public health.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Best practices, conversations and community engagement activities must continue to improve and adjust to the changing dynamics of an increasingly diverse population.
Best of all, Jolie Pitt acknowledges how difficult it is to make decisions such as these. Heaven knows that I know this, both personally as a patient and professionally as a nurse.
Without easy access, the ability to understand information, the skill in communicating concerns to raise appropriate questions, to be able to process information wisely, and then to act upon this information, I'm afraid we're still looking at very limited literacy.
Americans are fortunate to have access to some of the best health care in the world, but each time we ignore the opportunity to establish thoughtful, effective communication among all our health-related entities and the people and communities they serve, everyone loses.
At each visit, you should feel assured that you are at the center of the care process. You should be greeted in a welcoming manner, encouraged to ask questions, invited to give feedback regarding your experience, and receive simple follow-up information after you leave.
Clear communication from doctors, nurses, hospitals and clinics is essential for patients to manage their health care effectively. But creating easily understood materials isn't simple.
