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Applying a Health Literacy Lens to Learning Materials

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Erika Heiges of HealthEd presents to the 2012 Florida Literacy Conference on using a health literacy lens to improve learning materials for patients

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Applying a Health Literacy Lens to Learning Materials Erika Heiges, MPH, CHES Presentation to the 28th Annual Florida Literacy Conference May 11, 2012
Session Objectives 1. Attendees will learn about the core principles of health literacy and ways to apply the principles when selecting (or developing) materials for literacy education. 2. Attendees will learn about A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy and ways to use it when selecting (or developing) materials for literacy education. 2
Agenda ? Introduction ? Health Literacy ? Definition ? Impact ? Principles ? Health Literacy and Adult Literacy ? Health literacy and adult education ? Involving learners: Ask Me 3 ? Selecting materials for use ? Evaluating Materials Exercise 3
Background
Education Solutions That Drive Behavior Change STRATEGIC CONSULTING CONTENT DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION RESEARCH AND INSIGHTS PRODUCTS AND PLATFORMS MEASUREMENT/ANALYTICS Social Community Education Platform for for Healthcare Extenders Professional-Patient Engagement (Professional) www.surroundhealth.net www.healthedondemand.com ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 5
About SurroundHealth Features over 40 New Health Topics (started April 2011) (Articles, Resources, Offered by A diverse Discussions, News/E HealthEd Academy, community vents) a division of HealthEd (multiple disciplines from healthcare, academi a and community health) Monitored (Community Manager, Free CHES, MPH) 6/20/2012 ?2011 HealthEd Group, Inc 6
Our Frameworks Employ Behavior Change, Adult Learning, and Health Literacy Principles Attitudes/ Beliefs Knowledge Skills We employ Behavior Change Clear By Design? principles ensure Models to inform programs that communications align with best can improve knowledge and skills practices in health literacy and change behavior ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 7
Erika Heiges, MPH, CHES Director, Health Education ? Responsible for helping support project teams in development of both print-based and web-based patient and healthcare professional programs ? Ensure that programs adhere to health literacy principles and incorporate principles of adult learning and behavior change theories ? BS in Health Sciences, concentration in Wellness and Health Promotion from the State University of New York College at Cortland ? Masters in Public Health (MPH), concentration in Community Health Education from San Jose State University ? Certified Health Education Specialist ? Volunteer adult tutor for Literacy Volunteers of Monmouth County ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 8
Health Literacy
Health Literacy: Defined Health literacy is defined as ¡°the ability to find, understand, and use basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.¡± Within healthcare, patients require health literacy skills to: ? Find health information1 ? Interact with healthcare providers (HCPs)1,2 They also need the skills to: ? Self-manage a health condition1 ? Navigate the healthcare system1 1. Nielsen-Bohlman L, Panzer AM, Kindig DA, eds. Health literacy: a prescription to end confusion. http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10883.html. Accessed May 4, 2012. 2. Amalraj S, Starkweather C, Nguyen C, Naeim A. Health literacy, communication, and treatment decision-making in older cancer patients. Oncology. 2009;23(4):369-375. ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 10
Health Literacy: Considerations Health literacy considers a person¡¯s Adult learners with low literacy may: knowledge and skills: ? Reading ? Take words or instructions literally ? Writing, listening, speaking, ari ? Read slowly and miss meanings thmetic ? Skip over hard or uncommon words ? Visual ? Get lost in details ? Conceptual ? Have difficulty finding focus ? Tire quickly Center for Health Care Strategies, Inc. What is health literacy? Available at http:/wwww.chcs.org/publications3960/publications_show.htm?doc_id213119 Accessed May 4, 2012. Doak CC, Doak LG, Root JH. Teaching Patients with Low Literacy Skills. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: JB Lippincott Company; 1995. Doak LG, Doak CC, eds. Pfizer Principles for Clear Health Communication. 2nd ed. Available at http://www.pfizerhealthliteracy.com/pdfs/The_Health_Literacy_Problem_v2.pdf. Accessed May 4, 2012. ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 11
Impact of Health Literacy Take 2 tablets twice daily All patients Low literacy skills Adequate literacy skills 395 primary care Only 35% could show 80% got it right. patients in study the correct number of 20% could not show the pills to take correct number of pills to take Davis TC, Parker R. To err really is human: misunderstanding medication labels. http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/slides/2006- 4230s1_01_02_Davis%20and%20Parker.pdf. Accessed May 4, 2012. ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 12
Why Health Literacy Matters The cost of limited health literacy to the nation¡¯s economy is estimated to be between $106 billion and $236 billion per year 90 million Americans are at risk for not acting on health information because of low health literacy, regardless of age, income, race, or background 1. Vernon J et al. 2007. Low health literacy: implications for national policy. http://www.npsf.org/pr/pressrel/2007-10-11.php. 2. Weiss BD. Health Literacy and Patient Safety: Help Patients Understand. 2nd ed. American Medical Association; 2007. ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 13
Why Health Literacy Matters AMA has identified health literacy as the strongest predictor of health status¡ª stronger than income, education, employment status, or racial or ethnic group1,2 Low health literacy has been associated with: ? Higher rates of medication errors2 ? Less knowledge of health prevention, diseases, and self-care strategies1,2 ? More hospitalizations1,2 ? More frequent use of emergency rooms2 ? Higher levels of illness1,2 1. Nielsen-Bohlman L, Panzer AM, Kindig DA, eds. Health literacy: a prescription to end confusion. http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10883.html. Accessed May 4, 2012. 2. Weiss BD. Health Literacy and Patient Safety: Help Patients Understand. Manual for Clinicians. 2nd ed. http://www.ama- assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/367/healthlitclinicians.pdf. Accessed May 4, 2012. ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 14
Health Literacy Principles: It¡¯s More Than Just Reading Level Consider selecting materials to use with learners that follow Clear By DesignTM health literacy principles: 1. Provide content that solves problems 2. Write for easy reading 3. Involve the reader 4. Design for easy reading 5. Use color with purpose 6. Use visuals for emphasis ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 15
1. Provide content that solves problems ? Is the purpose of the material clearly stated? ? Does the material focus on behaviors? (¡°how to¡± rather than simply ¡°facts¡±) ? Is the number of concepts in the piece limited to what reasonably can be learned? ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 16
2. Write for easy reading ? Does the copy use familiar words and define new terms? ? Is the reading level appropriate? (Fry, SMOG, Flesch-Kincaid) ? Is information ¡°chunked¡± and are subheaders or other devices employed to prepare readers for upcoming information? ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 17
3. Involve the reader ? Is the copy written in a positive and friendly tone? ? Is the material interactive and does it allow for reader involvement? (checklists, Q&A, etc) ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 18
4. Design for easy reading ? Is there adequate white space to reduce the appearance of clutter? ? Is there little to no use of italics and running capitals? ? Is the type size adequate, such as 12-point font or larger? ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 19
5. Use color with purpose ? Is there appropriate contrast between background and text? (dark text on light background) ? Does the color and graphic elements highlight key messages? ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 20
6. Use visuals for emphasis ? Are graphics and illustrations used to enhance understanding? (illustrations serve to demonstrate a desired behavior) ? Are tables, charts and diagrams clearly labeled and explained? ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 21
Health Literacy and Adult Literacy
Health Literacy and Adult Education: Supports Self-Efficacy ? Adult education promotes: ? Skills for basic literacy ? Course material that is relevant to learners¡¯ lives and helps them solve problems ? Health literacy promotes: ? Understanding and use of health information Self- Adult Health efficacy in literacy Literacy managing health ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 23
Reliability How do you define reliability? re¡¤li¡¤a¡¤bil¡¤i¡¤ty [ruh-laie-uh-bill-uh-tee] noun the ability to be relied on or depended on, as for accuracy, honesty, or achievement. Why is reliability important for reading materials? ? To ensure the source of information is accurate, dependable, and useful to learners ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 24
Involving Learners: Ask Me 3 ? Encourage learners to be actively engaged in their healthcare ? Ask Me 3TM is an education program designed to promote communication between healthcare providers and patients ? Prompts 3 questions for patients to understand the answers to: 1. What is my main problem? 2. What do I need to do? 3. Why is it important for me to do this? 1. National Patient Safety Foundation. http://www.npsf.org/for-healthcare-professionals/programs/ask-me-3/. ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 25
Selecting Materials: Evaluating Reliability and Health Literacy A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy can help guide your materials selection process ? Based on the DISCERN instrument and Clear By DesignTM health literacy principles ? DISCERN instrument is a validated tool created to judge the quality of written consumer health information on treatment choice¨Doriginally created for consumer use ? Clear By DesignTM is a health literacy evaluation program based on 22 core principles of health literacy ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 26
A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy Part 1: Assess for Reliability 1. Are the objectives clear? ? Look for an indication of: ? What it¡¯s about ? What it¡¯s meant to cover ? Who may find it useful 2. Does it achieve its objectives? ? Consider whether the material provides the information it aimed to as outlined in question 1 3. Is it relevant? ? Consider whether the material addresses the questions readers may ask 4. Is it clear what sources of information were used to compile the publication? ? Check whether the main claims or statements made are accompanied by a reference to the sources used ? Look for a means of checking the sources used, such as a bibliography/reference list ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 27
A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy continued 5. It is balanced or unbiased? ? Look for: ? Clear indication of whether the material is written from a personal or objective view ? A range of sources of information were used 6.Does it provide details of additional sources of support and information? ? Look for suggestions for further reading or details of other organizations of support ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 28
A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy continued Part 2: Assess for Health Literacy 1. Does the material provide content that solves problems? ? Is the purpose of the material clearly stated? ? Does the material focus on behaviors? (¡°how to¡± rather than simply ¡°facts¡±) ? Is the number of concepts in the piece limited to what reasonably can be learned? 2. Is the material written for easy reading? ? Does the copy use familiar words and defines new terms? ? Is the reading level appropriate for your students? (Fry, SMOG, Flesch-Kincaid) ? Is information ¡°chunked¡±? ? Are there subheads or other devices to prepare readers for upcoming information? 3. Does the material involve the reader? ? Is the copy written in a positive and friendly tone? ? Is the material interactive and does it allow for reader involvement? (checklists, Q&A, etc) ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 29
A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy continued 4. Is the material designed for easy reading? ? Is there adequate white space to reduce the appearance of clutter? ? Is there little to no use of italics and running capitals? ? Is the type size adequate, such as 12-point font or larger? 5. Is color used with purpose? ? Is there appropriate contrast between background and text? (dark text on light background) ? Does the color and graphic elements highlight key messages? 6. Does the material use visuals for emphasis? ? Are graphics and illustrations used to enhance understanding? (illustrations serve to demonstrate a desired behavior) ? Are tables, charts and diagrams clearly labeled and explained? ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 30
Selection of Materials: What You Can Do ? Evaluate materials using the A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy ? Share A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy with colleagues and peers ? Share with HealthEd how you¡¯ve used the guide in practice! ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 31
Resources Health Literacy ? National Institutes of Health: Clear Communication: An NIH Health Literacy Initiative http://www.nih.gov/clearcommunication/ ? Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/literacy/ ? HealthEd¡¯s Health Literacy Quiz http://healthed.com/news-and-views/health- literacy.aspx ? AskMe3TM http://www.npsf.org/for-healthcare-professionals/programs/ask-me- 3/ DISCERN Instrument http://www.discern.org.uk/discern_instrument.php Sources of Health Information for Adult Learners ? MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ ? Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) http://www.ahrq.gov/ ? Healthy Roads Media http://www.healthyroadsmedia.org/ 32
Contact: ? To learn more about HealthEd and our Clear By Design? approach to health literacy consulting, please contact: ? Marissa Addalia (East Coast and Central inquiries) at (908) 379-2018 ? Vicki Kelemen (West Coast inquiries) at (858) 334-3778 ? Or visit us on the Web: www.healthed.com healthed.typepad.com www.twitter.com/ healtheddigital www.slideshare.com/ HealthEdUS 33

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Applying a Health Literacy Lens to Learning Materials

  • 1. Applying a Health Literacy Lens to Learning Materials Erika Heiges, MPH, CHES Presentation to the 28th Annual Florida Literacy Conference May 11, 2012
  • 2. Session Objectives 1. Attendees will learn about the core principles of health literacy and ways to apply the principles when selecting (or developing) materials for literacy education. 2. Attendees will learn about A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy and ways to use it when selecting (or developing) materials for literacy education. 2
  • 3. Agenda ? Introduction ? Health Literacy ? Definition ? Impact ? Principles ? Health Literacy and Adult Literacy ? Health literacy and adult education ? Involving learners: Ask Me 3 ? Selecting materials for use ? Evaluating Materials Exercise 3
  • 5. Education Solutions That Drive Behavior Change STRATEGIC CONSULTING CONTENT DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION RESEARCH AND INSIGHTS PRODUCTS AND PLATFORMS MEASUREMENT/ANALYTICS Social Community Education Platform for for Healthcare Extenders Professional-Patient Engagement (Professional) www.surroundhealth.net www.healthedondemand.com ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 5
  • 6. About SurroundHealth Features over 40 New Health Topics (started April 2011) (Articles, Resources, Offered by A diverse Discussions, News/E HealthEd Academy, community vents) a division of HealthEd (multiple disciplines from healthcare, academi a and community health) Monitored (Community Manager, Free CHES, MPH) 6/20/2012 ?2011 HealthEd Group, Inc 6
  • 7. Our Frameworks Employ Behavior Change, Adult Learning, and Health Literacy Principles Attitudes/ Beliefs Knowledge Skills We employ Behavior Change Clear By Design? principles ensure Models to inform programs that communications align with best can improve knowledge and skills practices in health literacy and change behavior ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 7
  • 8. Erika Heiges, MPH, CHES Director, Health Education ? Responsible for helping support project teams in development of both print-based and web-based patient and healthcare professional programs ? Ensure that programs adhere to health literacy principles and incorporate principles of adult learning and behavior change theories ? BS in Health Sciences, concentration in Wellness and Health Promotion from the State University of New York College at Cortland ? Masters in Public Health (MPH), concentration in Community Health Education from San Jose State University ? Certified Health Education Specialist ? Volunteer adult tutor for Literacy Volunteers of Monmouth County ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 8
  • 10. Health Literacy: Defined Health literacy is defined as ¡°the ability to find, understand, and use basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.¡± Within healthcare, patients require health literacy skills to: ? Find health information1 ? Interact with healthcare providers (HCPs)1,2 They also need the skills to: ? Self-manage a health condition1 ? Navigate the healthcare system1 1. Nielsen-Bohlman L, Panzer AM, Kindig DA, eds. Health literacy: a prescription to end confusion. http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10883.html. Accessed May 4, 2012. 2. Amalraj S, Starkweather C, Nguyen C, Naeim A. Health literacy, communication, and treatment decision-making in older cancer patients. Oncology. 2009;23(4):369-375. ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 10
  • 11. Health Literacy: Considerations Health literacy considers a person¡¯s Adult learners with low literacy may: knowledge and skills: ? Reading ? Take words or instructions literally ? Writing, listening, speaking, ari ? Read slowly and miss meanings thmetic ? Skip over hard or uncommon words ? Visual ? Get lost in details ? Conceptual ? Have difficulty finding focus ? Tire quickly Center for Health Care Strategies, Inc. What is health literacy? Available at http:/wwww.chcs.org/publications3960/publications_show.htm?doc_id213119 Accessed May 4, 2012. Doak CC, Doak LG, Root JH. Teaching Patients with Low Literacy Skills. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: JB Lippincott Company; 1995. Doak LG, Doak CC, eds. Pfizer Principles for Clear Health Communication. 2nd ed. Available at http://www.pfizerhealthliteracy.com/pdfs/The_Health_Literacy_Problem_v2.pdf. Accessed May 4, 2012. ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 11
  • 12. Impact of Health Literacy Take 2 tablets twice daily All patients Low literacy skills Adequate literacy skills 395 primary care Only 35% could show 80% got it right. patients in study the correct number of 20% could not show the pills to take correct number of pills to take Davis TC, Parker R. To err really is human: misunderstanding medication labels. http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/slides/2006- 4230s1_01_02_Davis%20and%20Parker.pdf. Accessed May 4, 2012. ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 12
  • 13. Why Health Literacy Matters The cost of limited health literacy to the nation¡¯s economy is estimated to be between $106 billion and $236 billion per year 90 million Americans are at risk for not acting on health information because of low health literacy, regardless of age, income, race, or background 1. Vernon J et al. 2007. Low health literacy: implications for national policy. http://www.npsf.org/pr/pressrel/2007-10-11.php. 2. Weiss BD. Health Literacy and Patient Safety: Help Patients Understand. 2nd ed. American Medical Association; 2007. ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 13
  • 14. Why Health Literacy Matters AMA has identified health literacy as the strongest predictor of health status¡ª stronger than income, education, employment status, or racial or ethnic group1,2 Low health literacy has been associated with: ? Higher rates of medication errors2 ? Less knowledge of health prevention, diseases, and self-care strategies1,2 ? More hospitalizations1,2 ? More frequent use of emergency rooms2 ? Higher levels of illness1,2 1. Nielsen-Bohlman L, Panzer AM, Kindig DA, eds. Health literacy: a prescription to end confusion. http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10883.html. Accessed May 4, 2012. 2. Weiss BD. Health Literacy and Patient Safety: Help Patients Understand. Manual for Clinicians. 2nd ed. http://www.ama- assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/367/healthlitclinicians.pdf. Accessed May 4, 2012. ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 14
  • 15. Health Literacy Principles: It¡¯s More Than Just Reading Level Consider selecting materials to use with learners that follow Clear By DesignTM health literacy principles: 1. Provide content that solves problems 2. Write for easy reading 3. Involve the reader 4. Design for easy reading 5. Use color with purpose 6. Use visuals for emphasis ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 15
  • 16. 1. Provide content that solves problems ? Is the purpose of the material clearly stated? ? Does the material focus on behaviors? (¡°how to¡± rather than simply ¡°facts¡±) ? Is the number of concepts in the piece limited to what reasonably can be learned? ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 16
  • 17. 2. Write for easy reading ? Does the copy use familiar words and define new terms? ? Is the reading level appropriate? (Fry, SMOG, Flesch-Kincaid) ? Is information ¡°chunked¡± and are subheaders or other devices employed to prepare readers for upcoming information? ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 17
  • 18. 3. Involve the reader ? Is the copy written in a positive and friendly tone? ? Is the material interactive and does it allow for reader involvement? (checklists, Q&A, etc) ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 18
  • 19. 4. Design for easy reading ? Is there adequate white space to reduce the appearance of clutter? ? Is there little to no use of italics and running capitals? ? Is the type size adequate, such as 12-point font or larger? ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 19
  • 20. 5. Use color with purpose ? Is there appropriate contrast between background and text? (dark text on light background) ? Does the color and graphic elements highlight key messages? ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 20
  • 21. 6. Use visuals for emphasis ? Are graphics and illustrations used to enhance understanding? (illustrations serve to demonstrate a desired behavior) ? Are tables, charts and diagrams clearly labeled and explained? ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 21
  • 22. Health Literacy and Adult Literacy
  • 23. Health Literacy and Adult Education: Supports Self-Efficacy ? Adult education promotes: ? Skills for basic literacy ? Course material that is relevant to learners¡¯ lives and helps them solve problems ? Health literacy promotes: ? Understanding and use of health information Self- Adult Health efficacy in literacy Literacy managing health ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 23
  • 24. Reliability How do you define reliability? re¡¤li¡¤a¡¤bil¡¤i¡¤ty [ruh-laie-uh-bill-uh-tee] noun the ability to be relied on or depended on, as for accuracy, honesty, or achievement. Why is reliability important for reading materials? ? To ensure the source of information is accurate, dependable, and useful to learners ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 24
  • 25. Involving Learners: Ask Me 3 ? Encourage learners to be actively engaged in their healthcare ? Ask Me 3TM is an education program designed to promote communication between healthcare providers and patients ? Prompts 3 questions for patients to understand the answers to: 1. What is my main problem? 2. What do I need to do? 3. Why is it important for me to do this? 1. National Patient Safety Foundation. http://www.npsf.org/for-healthcare-professionals/programs/ask-me-3/. ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 25
  • 26. Selecting Materials: Evaluating Reliability and Health Literacy A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy can help guide your materials selection process ? Based on the DISCERN instrument and Clear By DesignTM health literacy principles ? DISCERN instrument is a validated tool created to judge the quality of written consumer health information on treatment choice¨Doriginally created for consumer use ? Clear By DesignTM is a health literacy evaluation program based on 22 core principles of health literacy ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 26
  • 27. A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy Part 1: Assess for Reliability 1. Are the objectives clear? ? Look for an indication of: ? What it¡¯s about ? What it¡¯s meant to cover ? Who may find it useful 2. Does it achieve its objectives? ? Consider whether the material provides the information it aimed to as outlined in question 1 3. Is it relevant? ? Consider whether the material addresses the questions readers may ask 4. Is it clear what sources of information were used to compile the publication? ? Check whether the main claims or statements made are accompanied by a reference to the sources used ? Look for a means of checking the sources used, such as a bibliography/reference list ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 27
  • 28. A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy continued 5. It is balanced or unbiased? ? Look for: ? Clear indication of whether the material is written from a personal or objective view ? A range of sources of information were used 6.Does it provide details of additional sources of support and information? ? Look for suggestions for further reading or details of other organizations of support ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 28
  • 29. A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy continued Part 2: Assess for Health Literacy 1. Does the material provide content that solves problems? ? Is the purpose of the material clearly stated? ? Does the material focus on behaviors? (¡°how to¡± rather than simply ¡°facts¡±) ? Is the number of concepts in the piece limited to what reasonably can be learned? 2. Is the material written for easy reading? ? Does the copy use familiar words and defines new terms? ? Is the reading level appropriate for your students? (Fry, SMOG, Flesch-Kincaid) ? Is information ¡°chunked¡±? ? Are there subheads or other devices to prepare readers for upcoming information? 3. Does the material involve the reader? ? Is the copy written in a positive and friendly tone? ? Is the material interactive and does it allow for reader involvement? (checklists, Q&A, etc) ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 29
  • 30. A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy continued 4. Is the material designed for easy reading? ? Is there adequate white space to reduce the appearance of clutter? ? Is there little to no use of italics and running capitals? ? Is the type size adequate, such as 12-point font or larger? 5. Is color used with purpose? ? Is there appropriate contrast between background and text? (dark text on light background) ? Does the color and graphic elements highlight key messages? 6. Does the material use visuals for emphasis? ? Are graphics and illustrations used to enhance understanding? (illustrations serve to demonstrate a desired behavior) ? Are tables, charts and diagrams clearly labeled and explained? ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 30
  • 31. Selection of Materials: What You Can Do ? Evaluate materials using the A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy ? Share A Guide to Reviewing Materials for Reliability and Health Literacy with colleagues and peers ? Share with HealthEd how you¡¯ve used the guide in practice! ?2012 HealthEd Group, Inc 31
  • 32. Resources Health Literacy ? National Institutes of Health: Clear Communication: An NIH Health Literacy Initiative http://www.nih.gov/clearcommunication/ ? Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/literacy/ ? HealthEd¡¯s Health Literacy Quiz http://healthed.com/news-and-views/health- literacy.aspx ? AskMe3TM http://www.npsf.org/for-healthcare-professionals/programs/ask-me- 3/ DISCERN Instrument http://www.discern.org.uk/discern_instrument.php Sources of Health Information for Adult Learners ? MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ ? Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) http://www.ahrq.gov/ ? Healthy Roads Media http://www.healthyroadsmedia.org/ 32
  • 33. Contact: ? To learn more about HealthEd and our Clear By Design? approach to health literacy consulting, please contact: ? Marissa Addalia (East Coast and Central inquiries) at (908) 379-2018 ? Vicki Kelemen (West Coast inquiries) at (858) 334-3778 ? Or visit us on the Web: www.healthed.com healthed.typepad.com www.twitter.com/ healtheddigital www.slideshare.com/ HealthEdUS 33

Editor's Notes

  1. HealthEd is a patient education agency that develops print and digital educational programs for pharmaceutical and advocacy organizations
  2. Seems simple enough, right? But the results speak to the difficulty that people at ALL literacy levels can encounter with even a basic health-related task
  3. Low literacy skills have negative implications on healthNegative implications include:Less effective communications between patients and healthcare providersLess self-efficacy in disease managementMore chronic disease
  4. How are you choosing materials to use? Why? Are they reliable?
  5. Patients should be encouraged to ask their providers these three simple but essential questions in every health care interaction.Likewise, providers should always encourage their patients to understand the answers to these three questions.
  6. Can also consider teaching your learner¡¯s how to use the form to judge the reliability of a resource