Addressing health literacy gaining traction

Todd Vandenbark — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:25:49 +0000

As mentioned previously, health literacy is “the ability to get information, understand it, and use information to lower risk and better health.” People “with low health literacy are more likely to report poor health, have an incomplete understanding of their health problems and treatment, and are at greater risk of hospitalization” (Pawlak, 2005). Many organizations, groups and political entities are seeking to address this issue. This weekend, Iowa will host its first health literacy conference, “Health Literacy in Iowa: Partnering to Change Research into Action” (Villanueva-Whitman, 2012).

Looking for resources to improve health literacy and communication at your medical practice? The Health Literacy section of the AMA’s website toolkits, patient safety tip cards, and other resources to assist providers. Also, the Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality (AHRQ) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has resources for addressing health literacy and cultural competency.

What tools have you found helpful in improving patient health literacy? Tell us about it!

Reference:

Pawlak, R. (2005). Economic considerations of health literacy. Nurs Econ, 23(4), 173-180, 147.

Villanueva-Whitman, E. (2012). Communication is key to better health care Retrieved April 26, 2012, from http://www.DesMoinesRegister.com/article/20120410/LIFE/304100053

EDUCAUSE Annual Conference via web

Todd Vandenbark — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:46:04 +0000

Eccles Library is providing an opportunity for anyone on the University of Utah campus to view the online presentations from the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference. It is being held in Skaggs Auditorium in the College of Pharmacy today, Thursday, October 20, 2011. Today’s topics include presentations on “Privacy in the Era of Social Media,” “Mobile Learning: Applications That Change Distraction to Discussion,” and more. Join us!

UPDATE:

This online conference ends Friday morning, October 21, 2011. The last web presentations will be presented in the Auditorium in the Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, directly behind the Eccles Health Sciences Library:

8:45 – 9:45 a.m.: IT from Both Sides of the Executive Table
9:45 – 10:00 a.m.: Online Conference Closing

There are two additional time slots for presentations (6:30 – 7:20 a.m. and 7:30 – 8:20 a.m.) where suggestions are welcome. Just consult the online list of presentations and bring your ideas when you come.

Join us!

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Addressing health literacy gaining traction

EDUCAUSE Annual Conference via web