Online Program

Oral

Health literacy is a serious and escalating public health issue. This workshop for health educators is modeled after a comprehensive state-funded health literacy initiative in Philadelphia – SEPA-READS (Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Enhancements Addressing Disconnects in Cardiovascular Health Literacy). SEPA-READS uses the Expanded Chronic Care Model and Triple Aim emphasizing system change, the patient and provider care experience, and improved health outcomes. The project incorporates best practices and chronic disease prevention/management competencies in health literacy training and patient empowerment activities. Participants will learn health literacy concepts and practices including a hospital/clinic environmental scan, an assessment of patient/provider communication, integrating literacy improvement techniques into hospital staff development programs, and activating patients through a train the trainer program at community sites such as senior centers. A train the trainer model will be shared and demonstrated focusing on Plain Language, Teach Back, and Creating a Shame Free Environment, to facilitate system changes including patient-provider communication, health education materials, website development, Wayfinding, informed consent, and medication management initiatives. In addition, consumer/patient education peer activation tools using Ask Me 3 will be discussed and demonstrated to develop strong consumer health literacy advocates. Program evaluation measures, processes and outcomes at both the healthcare system level (system environment, signage, staff training, patient satisfaction surveys, materials development, institutional policies, etc.) and consumer levels (knowledge, attitudes, intended behaviors) will be presented and lessons learned discussed.

Session Objectives: Describe the health and economic importance of health literacy particularly for seniors, required investments in system changes within the healthcare system, and consumer education for patient activation and empowerment. Evaluate three health literacy quality improvement strategies within hospitals and clinics. Identify two strategies that patients and health care providers can implement to improve patient/provider communication.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)