Addressing Low Health Literacy: Improve Patient Outcomes Without Adding Time

Addressing Low Health Literacy: Improve Patient Outcomes Without Adding Time is organized by Scripps Conference Services & CME.

Released On: February 24, 2021
Expires On: February 25, 2022

Target Audience:
This activity is intended for physicians and healthcare professionals interested in improving the quality of the communication between doctors and patients while assessing patients' literacy levels.

Accreditation:
Physicians:
Scripps Health designates this internet enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Physician Assistants:
PAs may claim a maximum of 1 Category 1 credits for completing this activity. NCCPA accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME.

Program Overview:
Health literacy is the ability to access, understand, and use health information and involves reading, writing, listening, verbal communication, and numeracy skills. Thirty-six percent of U.S. adults have low health literacy, making it harder to understand and act on basic health information. For example, many American adults struggle to understand instructions on prescription drug bottles, doctors' notes, appointment slips, consent forms, and educational brochures. Inadequate health literacy can lead to numerous negative effects on health, including increased utilization of health services and decreased likelihood of receiving preventive care.

Educational Objectives:
After completing this internet enduring material, participants should be able to:
• Describe communication best practices designed to improve patients’ understanding.
• Adopt time-saving health literacy methods.
• Use plain language as part of good health literacy practices.