We create and translate accessible COVID-19 information into different languages to help all patients know when, and how, to seek care. Our materials are created in collaboration with Harvard Health Publishing.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Organizational health literacy (OHL) is the degree to which health care organizations implement strategies to make it easier for patients to understand health information, navigate the health care system, engage in the health care process, and manage their health. Although resources exist to guide OHL-related quality improvement (QI) initiatives, little work has been done to establish measures that organizations can use to monitor their improvement efforts.
OBJECTIVE:
We sought to identify and evaluate existing OHL-related QI measures. To complement prior efforts to develop measures based on patient-reported data, we sought to identify measures computed from clinical, administrative, QI, or staff-reported data. Our goal was to develop a set of measures that experts agree are valuable for informing OHL-related QI activities.
METHODS:
We used four methods to identify relevant measures computed from clinical, administrative, QI, or staff-reported data. We convened a Technical Expert Panel, published a request for measures, conducted a literature review, and interviewed 20 organizations working to improve OHL. From the comprehensive list of measures identified, we selected a set of high-priority measures for review by a second expert panel. Using a modified Delphi review process, panelists rated measures on four evaluation criteria, participated in a teleconference to discuss areas of disagreement among panelists, and rerated all measures.
KEY RESULTS:
Across all methods, we identified 233 measures. Seventy measures underwent Delphi Panel review. For 22 measures, there was consensus among panelists that the measures were useful, meaningful, feasible, and had face validity. Five additional measuresreceived strong ratings for usefulness, meaningfulness, and face validity, but failed to show consensus among panelists regarding feasibility.
CONCLUSIONS:
We identified OHL-related QI measures that have the support of experts in the field. Although additional measure development and testing is recommended, the Consensus OHL QI Measures are appropriate for immediate use. [HLRP: Health LiteracyResearch and Practice. 2019;3(2):e127-e146.].
PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY:
The health care system is complex. Health care organizations can make things easier for patients by making changes to improve communication and to help patients find their way around, become engaged in the health care process, and manage their health. We identify 22 measures that organizations can use to monitor their efforts to improve communication with and support for patients.
About us
The partners in this project currently work in six different European countries. We have partners with expertise in primary care practice, genetics and adult education, as well as a patient support organisation. The project was originally designed by Professor Heather Skirton, who has a background in nursing, midwifery and genetic counselling, and Dr Isa Houwink, a GP from the Netherlands.
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing.
Familydoctor.org is the AAFP’s award-winning consumer website, featuring physician-reviewed patient education materials.
AboutKidsHealth is a health education website for children, youth and their caregivers.
Introduction
To successfully manage their health, people must be able “to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.” Known as health literacy, this ability involves using reading, writing, verbal, and numerical skills in the context of health. Being health literate, however, also depends on the complexity of the health information given to patients and the tasks they are asked to perform. A national survey showed that 88% of U.S. adults do not have the health literacy skills needed to manage all the demands of the current health care system and 36% have limited health literacy.
Research shows that clinicians have trouble identifying patients with limited health literacy. Although some groups have higher rates of health literacy limitations, such as some racial/ethnic minority and older populations, limited health literacy is seen in all sociodemographic groups. Moreover, managing one’s health can be more challenging in times of stress. When patients or caregivers are anxious or overwhelmed with too much information, their ability to absorb, recall, and use health information can decline, compromising their ability to manage their health.
What Are Health Literacy Universal Precautions?
Because limited health literacy is common and is hard to recognize, experts recommend using health literacy universal precautions. Practices should assume that all patients and caregivers may have difficulty comprehending health information and should communicate in ways that anyone can understand. Health literacy universal precautions are aimed at—
■ simplifying communication with and confirming comprehension for all patients, so that the risk of miscommunication is minimized
■ making the office environment and health care system easier to navigate
■ supporting patients’ efforts to improve their health
Everyone gains from health literacy universal precautions. Research shows that interventions designed for people with limited health literacy also benefit those with stronger health literacy skills. Communicating clearly helps people feel more involved in their health care and increases the chances of following through on their treatment plans. All patients appreciate receiving information that is clear and easy to act on.
Mission
"CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.
CDC increases the health security of our nation. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish our mission, CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise."
