Descriptions
The practice demonstrates an understanding of the patients' communication needs by utilizing materials and media that are easy for their patient population to understand and use. The practice considers patient demographics such as age, language needs, ethnicity and education when creating materials for its population. The practice may consider how its patients like to receive information (i.e., paper brochure, phone app, text message, email), in addition to the readability of materials (e.g., general literacy and health literacy).
Health-literate organizations understand that lack of health literacy leads to poorer health outcomes and compromises patient safety, and establish processes that address health literacy to improve patient health behaviors and safety in the practice setting. Reducing barriers to the patient's ability to access, understand and absorb health information supports their ability to comply with their care.