‘Health literacy' a must for patients
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Asking your doctor the right questions can not only save you time and money, it can improve your health.
Peter DeRosa, chairman of the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Health Care Council, said healthcare literacy has a direct effect on healthcare costs, so the council is developing a plan to spread the word about the Ask Me 3 campaign, a National Patient Safety Foundation program that encourages patients to ask three simple questions of their healthcare providers:
- What is my main problem?
- What do I need to do?
- Why is it important forme to do this?
The National Patient Safety Foundation estimates low health literacy costs the health system as much as $58 billion a year.
Health literacy is the ability to read, understand and effectively use basic medical instructions and information. Low health literacy can affect anyone of any age, ethnicity, background, or education level.
People with low health literacy are often less likely to comply with prescribed treatment and self-care, which can lead to hospitalization, longer stays in the hospital and additional care. This results in annual health care costs that are four times higher than those with higher literacy skills.
Mr. DeRosa said part of the chamber's goal is to educate not only patients and doctors, but also office staff to encourage patients to ask questions and understand instructions.
"The average doctor allows a patient to speak for 22 seconds," Mr. De Rosa said. "There was a study that showed if you allow the patient to talk and ask questions, the average time needed is two minutes. So providers just need to let the patient talk and make sure they are comfortable with the information they are being given."
Patients comprehension may be hindered by intimidation and vulnerability; shock upon hearing a diagnosis; extenuating stress within their family; multiple health conditions to understand and treat; or limited reading or language skills.
Bonnie Thompson, a nurse and Director of Patient Safety at Backus, said it is important to make sure patients are comfortable asking questions of their healthcare providers.
"They should ask about available tests, medications and if there are any alternatives available," Ms. Thompson said. "They need to have information to make good decisions for their own care."
The hospital has posters encouraging patients to ask healthcare providers if they have washed their hands, and she said they plan to extend that campaign to encourage patients to ask other questions, such as the Ask Me 3 campaign, as well.
For useful tips from the Ask Me 3 campaign visit http://www.npsf.org/askme3/tips.php