Literacy/Numeracy Issues

Literacy/Numeracy Issues

Health literacy or numeracy plays an essential role in health and health care settings. Unfortunately, many patients face have limited literacy and numeracy skills that compromise their health outcomes (Parker, 2000). When there are literacy/numeracy limitations, patients face difficulties communicating with health care needs or understanding self-care instructions. For example, the patient may not comprehend basic vocabulary, fails to assimilate instructions and warnings on medication labels, and failure to follow-up appointments as required (Rothman et al., 2008). It is crucial for health care providers to ensure that they understand the literacy and numeracy levels of their patients to assist in addressing such problems.

I have encountered situations where poor literacy and numeracy skills prevented the attainment of health goals. One diabetic patient has difficulties interpreting food labels and approximating the right portion sizes. Later, it was determined the patient willingly selected foods high in fat and sugar against the recommendation of the nutritionist. Evidently, the patient did not have health literacy to fully comprehend the health risks of his behavior (Parker, 2000). Another elderly patient experienced adverse drug interaction after taking medication not recommended by the doctor. The patient ended up admitted with severe respiratory problems..

One recommendation to improve communication where literacy and numeracy limitation occur include the use of simple, plain language when instructions are in print. For example, eliminate medical jargon or technical terms in favor of everyday words that most people use (Osborn, Cavanaugh & Kripalani, 2010). If oral information has to be given, let it be precise and to the point. It is important to explain to the patient clearly what each term means. Another way to improve communication is to ask patients to restate instructions or information. Patients retain information quickly when they rephrase the information in their own words (Osborn et al., 2010). It is also vital to use culturally sensitive communication techniques. For example, use a translator for a patient who does not adequately understand the provider’s language (Osborn et al., 2010). One can have a translator for a Spanish speaking patient.

References

Osborn, C. Y., Cavanaugh, K., & Kripalani, S. (2010). Strategies to address low health literacy and numeracy in diabetes. Clinical Diabetes, 28(4), 171-175.

Parker, R. (2000). Health literacy: a challenge for American patients and their health care providers. Health Promotion International, 15(4), 277-283.

Rothman, R. L., Montori, V. M., Cherrington, A., & Pignone, M. P. (2008). Perspective: the role of numeracy in health care. Journal of health communication, 13(6), 583-595.