Critical Assessment Of Health Literacy - 1852 Words

The authors, Racquel Ingram and Donald Kautz are both critical care nurses addressing the importance of understanding health literacy in their 2012 article titled â€Å"Overcoming Low Health Literacy†. In this article, they provide a guide as to understanding the meaning of low health literacy, some statistical data pertaining to adult literacy in general, models of health literacy and their application in two case studies, and some common health literacy problems. The setting focuses strictly on its application in a Critical Care Unit (CCU) and how improving health literacy in both the patient and family help improve the patients outcomes. What is Health Literacy? The definition of health literacy according to the US Department of Health and Human Services is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions (USHHS, 2016).In their most recent study of 2003, the National Assessment of Adult Literacy indicates that 50 % of Americans have low literacy levels and that these numbers haven’t changed much since their previous study in 1992. Also in 2003, they conducted their first study on Health Literacy which had similar results. Health literacy can be dependent on individuals and systematic factors such as the degree of communication skills presented by the person or professional, knowledge of health topics, culture, demands of healthcare or public health system andShow MoreRelatedNursess Promotion Of Health Literacy Using Theories1706 Words   |  7 PagesPromotion of Health Literacy Using Theories Health literacy has been a problem with our patients. The most vulnerable populations are the elderly, people with low-income levels, those with limited education, non-native speakers of English, those with chronic mental and physical health conditions, minority, and immigrant populations. Nurses have a great role in helping our patients succeed in understanding their health conditions. Nurses can be of great help in promoting health literacy. Sykes, WillsRead MoreEvidence Based Medicine, Literature Review1433 Words   |  6 Pagesapplication of their health literacy skills. Health literacy is defined as the degree to which an individual is able to access, understand, and communicate information in order to promote and maintain their health [1]. However, a third of U.S. adults—77 million people—would have difficulty with common health tasks, such as following directions on a prescription drug label or adhering to a childhood immunization schedule with a standardize d chart [2]. Limited health literacy has frequently been foundRead MoreThe Importance Of Literacy Assessment For Adults Essay1162 Words   |  5 Pagesthe purpose of literacy assessment for adults: To determine the proficiency of the learners’ current level of English Literacy and Numeracy. Evaluate his / her needs and capability to progress. Determine the knowledge gap i.e. what is the best method / approach to achieve the desired outcome. Time estimate can be made based on the learners’ needs and learning capabilities taking into account his / her personal circumstances outside the classroom. Describe diagnostic assessments and their purpose:Read MoreHealth Literacy Impact On National Healthcare Utilization1746 Words   |  7 PagesHealth Literacy Impact on National Healthcare Utilization Background: Health literacy presents a huge challenge in the delivery of effective healthcare and quality outcomes. We evaluated association between low health literacy and healthcare utilization. Methods: Database analysis utilized Medical Expenditure Panel Survey(MEPS) from 2005-2008 which provides national representative estimates of healthcare utilization and expeniture. Health literacy scores were calculated based on a validated predictiveRead MoreThe Analytical Effectiveness Of The Assessment935 Words   |  4 Pagesabout the various assessments I utilized for my project, I have mixed feelings about the evaluative effectiveness of the assessments. When I began examine Jen’s formal assessments results (such as, Running Records, BY and EY Benchmarks, Sound Identification/Sigh Word Inventory forms), I believed the assessments would accurately demonstrate a positive progress Jen had made during the course of the year. What I discovered was both an intended and unintended consequence of assessment use. On the one handRead MoreEnglish Language Is Globally Important982 Words   |  4 PagesFinancial, Economic, Business and Entrepreneurial Literacy †¢ Civic Litera cy †¢ Health Literacy †¢ Environmental Literacy http://www.p21.org Learning and Innovation Skills †¢ Creativity and Innovation ï  ® †¢ Critical Thinking and Problem Solving ï  ® †¢ Communication and Collaboration ï  ® ï  ® http://www.p21.org Information, Media and Technology Skills †¢ Information Literacy ï  ® †¢ Media Literacy ï  ® †¢ ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) Literacy ï  ® ï  ® http://www.p21.org Life and CareerRead MoreComprehension Is The Purpose Of Reading1039 Words   |  5 Pagesfrom literal to inferential, then critical and evaluative. Literal is the first level of comprehension, where the reader connects with the text, examine it and capturing the details, main ideas, similarities and differences, is the what, why, who, when, how process. Prior knowledge is building during this level. Instead the inferential level comprehend prediction, prior knowledge, making inferences about reasons, and understanding cause effects. In the critical level, students investigate and gatherRead MoreThe Autism Screening Instrument For Educational Planning1400 Words   |  6 Pagesthe parents and caregivers of the child who may have autism is critical to tell the professionals about the child’s behavior. When diagnosing, an SLP will use screening procedures to evaluate the main characteristics that make autism spectrum disorder different from other developmental disorders, inclu ding difficulties in eye gaze, pretend play, imitation, nonverbal communication, and language development just to name a few. Assessment The Autism Screening Instrument for Educational Planning -ThirdRead MoreIlliteracy Among African Americans Essay1577 Words   |  7 Pagesproper skills to read, write, or speak English correctly. African-Americans have the lowest level of literacy rates in the United States. The history of literacy among African- Americans depicts the levels of literacy today. Until the Civil War, it was illegal to teach Blacks to read and write. Compulsory ignorance as coined by writer Brent Staples relates to the reality that Black literacy was obstructed as a matter of law for more than a century. Until after the Civil War, it was a crimeRead MoreInadequate Health Literacy Is A Hidden Crisis Essay1118 Words   |  5 PagesInadequate health literacy is a hidden crisis that is plaguing our nation. The ability to obtain, process, and understand health information needed to make informed health decisions is known as health literacy. The current health care system is biased on the notion that pa tients can fully comprehend health information and navigate through a complex health system. According to the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy, only 12% of adults in the United States have proficient health literacy, while