Seven easy steps to better understand your care
Health literacy is important for everyone because, at some point in our lives, we all need to be able to find, understand and use health information and services. We recognize the importance of making health information easy to understand and finding ways to make health care systems easier to navigate. Below are eight steps you can take to better understand the care you receive from your health care providers.
What is health literacy?
Personal health literacy is the degree to which you can find, understand, and use information and services to make informed health decisions and actions for yourself and others.
As the chief health equity and clinical innovation officer for Providence, Dr. Nwando Anyaoku believes the key to good health and well-being depends on medical providers’ commitment to making health literacy a top priority. Health care providers including local hospital systems, state social services and public health agencies are responsible for providing patients and consumers with clear and relevant information about their health care options.
According to the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) 9 out of 10 adults struggle with health literacy. In fact, people who are highly educated can have health literacy issues. At its most basic level, health literacy involves your ability to understand information about your body and its condition.
And while healthcare professionals should speak in plain language, acknowledge cultural differences, and ensure that patients understand health information, here are some steps we can take to ensure we are well informed about our personal health:
1. Don’t believe everything you find online.
There are countless websites and social media influencers sharing health tips and wellness recommendations. Many provide information that is not based on scientific research nor reviewed by medical experts. Some promote products that may do more harm than good.
When you search for medical information online, make sure the website is operated by a reputable organization, such as the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other national independent health and medical groups. Be sure to check that the information has been reviewed by a person with expertise in that field. It’s also a good idea to look at different online sources to make sure the information is confirmed and supported by different organizations. Consult with your physician.
2. Ask questions.
If you don’t fully understand what your doctor is saying to you, ask questions. When it comes to your health, there is no such thing as a dumb question, so don’t be embarrassed. Explain to your doctor that you’re having trouble understanding and ask that the information be explained again.
3. Repeat what your doctor tells you in your own words.
Your doctor or clinician may give you a lot of information at once. It might be helpful to repeat back to them what they said in your own words. This gives them a chance to clear up anything you’ve misheard or don’t understand.
4. Bring someone with you to your appointment, if possible.
Ask a friend or family member to accompany you to take notes, just in case you miss something. If they can’t come to the appointment in person, ask your doctor if they can join you virtually by phone or a video call. You may also ask to work with a patient navigator, if one is available. In addition to helping you understand your health care, patient navigators may also help you access health services, assess treatment options, fill out forms or apply for financial assistance.
5. Keep a running list of questions for your doctor or patient navigator.
The list can include terms you don’t understand, questions about research you saw in the news, or side effects that you’re concerned about. You can keep the list on your phone or in a notebook that you bring with you to each appointment.
6. Ask for a translator or bring one with you, if needed.
If your first language is different than the one spoken where you live, you may not understand complex medical terms or instructions. Ask your doctor’s office if translation services are available. If these services aren’t available, bring someone with you who can translate for you.
7. Ask if there are materials you can use to help you understand.
Your doctor’s office is likely to have additional materials to help explain complicated instructions and information. Not everyone learns best by listening to someone talk. Some people learn best by looking at pictures. Other people learn best by reading the information, and still others learn best by watching a video. Patients and consumers can ask for the information in the form that will be most useful for them.
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Notes to clinicians:
Health literacy is especially important for healthcare providers as we work together to ensure patients and communities have equitable access to quality health care. "To Advance Health Equity, Make Health Literacy A Priority At The Organizational Level", Health Affairs Forefront, July 22, 2024, DOI: 10.1377/forefront.20240718.801922; provides a wealth of information from current studies and policies.
