Recorded presentation

Stacey Beth Downey, MA¹, Karyn Pomerantz, MPH, MLS², and Eduardo Pezo, MPH². (1) University of the District of Columbia, State Education Agency, Adult Education, 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW, Bldg. 52, Room 302, Washington, DC 20008, 202-274-7183, sdowney@dcadultliteracy.org, (2) School of Public Health & Health Services, GWU, 2300 I Street, NW, #202, Washington, DC 20037

Promoting health informatics among people with limited literacy skills is challenging. To address this, George Washington University’s Partners for Health Information, the DC State Education Agency, Adult Education, and Unity Health Care have partnered to promote health information and literacy. Our innovative approach provides a mobile computer lab, qualified coaches, and bilingual support to a predominantly Latino community in Washington, DC. Most low-income adults in DC do not turn to the Internet for health information. Over 30% of DC residents have low literacy skills. For these potential users, many barriers inhibit use: limited access to technology; low literacy and technology skills; limited online content at appropriate reading level or in their native language. The Children’s Partnership confirms the need for practical, easy to read material, easier searching, and “coaches to guide them.” A convenience survey of patients visiting DC health centers by Partners for Health Information found that health information was a search goal for 63%, but information on jobs and education ranked nearly as high, 59% and 52% respectively. Drawing on self-efficacy theory, health educators assist clients in acquiring skills to access information on health, jobs, and literacy classes, using adult learning theory to offer material that is relevant, immediately useful, and self-directed. This outreach project addresses health and literacy issues together -- with the objective of eliminating disparity, racism, and narrowing the digital divide. Session attendees will take a virtual tour of the mobile unit, view recommended websites, and discuss project results, including information needs, responsive resources, and barriers.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to
• describe how a mobile technology unit provides access to online health information
• identify health information websites appropriate for low literacy English and Spanish speakers
• develop a plan to implement innovations in their own communities.

Keywords: Information Technology, Outreach Programs

Related Web page: www.dcadultliteracy.org/transformer.asp

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation