You ask your patient to follow instructions and when they see you at their subsequent visit, they have not made the changes you suggested. We have all been there, often placing the blame on their lack of interest in their health. Have you ever thought to dig a little deeper?
The average American reads at a middle school level. There have been a series of studies trying to shed light and collect more information on how low health literacy levels impact our healthcare system. The government has even gone as far as creating initiatives to help bridge this gap and encourage health care providers to improve the delivery of health information. With all the efforts that have been employed, there is still little awareness of the issue. Well, here I am to spread the message: We need to simplify the way we present health information to ensure our patients’ understanding.
I’ll never forget the moment when I was explaining a procedure to parents of a child we were about to operate on. The 10-year-old boy was attentively listening as I spoke to his parents. At the end of our conversation, I asked him and his parents if they had any questions. He looked up at me and asked, “What is tissue?” (As I was describing the procedure to his parents I used the word tissue when explaining dissecting through deeper layers below skin level.)
Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
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