Wendy Jones, 2005, National Center for Cultural Competence, based on categories by Rima Rudd, 2002, National Center for Adult Learning and Literacy Literacy

Wendy Jones, 2005, National Center for Cultural Competence, based on categories by Rima Rudd, 2002, National Center for Adult Learning and Literacy

Literacy Needs in Health & Mental Health Care

At a minimum, patients must be able to:Access informationRecognize cues to actionAccess careNavigate institutionsComplete formsProvide consentCommunicate with professionalsProvide information for assessment, diagnosis, & treatmentUnderstand directionsFollow regimensAdvocate



• Access information- possess the ability to read comprehend and use resources to: 1) obtain health information, 2) identify and contact healthcare providers, programs and services 3) make decisions.

• Recognize cues to action- ability to:1) take information from public service announcements and other health promotion and intervention resources, 2) infer from verbal and written comments and recommendations for preventive, follow-up, diagnostic and specialty care.



• Access care- within the physical environment, ability to read signs or maps of a facility including finding the location of a department or clinic; knowledge of insurance coverage, communicating need for healthcare

• Navigate institutions- knowledge of: 1) consumer/patient rights and responsibilities 2), insurance plan benefits (covered and non-covered services, co-pay or percentage of cost for services and prescriptions), and 3) appeal process for denial of services or supports. Ability to determine eligibility for programs and services.



• Complete forms- possess reading and written language skills to read, comprehend and complete forms and applications with required information.

• Provide consent- ability to calculate risks and benefits of intervention or treatment regimens; understand what providing consent to receive healthcare means.

• Communicate with professionals- skills to provide and receive information, analyze and synthesize information received, and ask questions based upon information obtained.



• Provide information for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment- provide complete medical and family history in oral or written format, including: 1) previous illnesses or surgeries, 2) previous and current medications {dosage, length of time taking medication, side effects, whether it’s working} 3) current diagnoses and treatment, 4) signs and symptoms of illness, 5) change in health status, and 6) health practices.

• Understand directions- ability to understand oral and/or written information including: 1) referrals for healthcare services, diagnostic testing, therapy or other healthcare services, and 2) instructions for taking medications or following treatment regimens.



• Follow regimens- ability to understand, remember and carry out written or oral treatment processes including: 1) how to take/administer medications, 2) when to take medication, 3) use of measuring tools, 4) measuring medicines, 5) identifying changes in health status (signs, symptoms, feelings of fatigue/tiredness, shortness of breath, etc.), and 6) maintaining a record of health through charts and/or keeping a journal.

• Advocate- ability to apply knowledge of systems processes, consumer/patient rights and responsibilities to promote: 1) most appropriate health care services and related health insurance coverage, and 2) provision of information in understandable formats.

Documents

Wendy Jones, 2005, National Center for Cultural Competence, based on categories by Rima Rudd, 2002, National Center for Adult Learning and Literacy Literacy