City of Columbus

Health Literacy

Health Literacy

Medical information is often misunderstood or misinterpreted by people with limited health literacy, which can result in missed appointments, medication errors, poor patient compliance and potentially poor health outcomes (American Medical Association). The following resources can help providers to better communicate with their patients.

Training

• Health Literacy Distance Education Program
  Ohio State University AHEC Health Literacy Program offers comprehensive professional development and continuing education. 

Websites

• Harvard School of Public Health 
• Plain Language, U.S. Government 
• The Clear Language Group 
• Provider's Guide to Quality & Culture 
• Health Literacy Fact Sheets 
• Health and Literacy Special Collections

Books/Manuals/Kits

• Health Literacy: A Prescription to End Confusion
  Institute of Medicine Report, April, 2004
• Clear & Simple: Developing Effective Print Materials For Low-Literate Readers
  National Cancer Institute, available at no cost.
• Health Literacy Kit: Help your patients understand.
  American Medical Association