MedPage Today November 27, 2020
— Small changes in medical practices can make a big difference
The language of medicine is complicated and intricate. It’s dense with data, packed with esoteric terms, and spoken within a system that can be tough to navigate. Plus, patients must often absorb news about a diagnosis or condition when they’re afraid, possibly in pain, and concerned about the process and cost of getting the care they need.
That’s where improving Americans’ health literacy can help — ensuring people have the ability to access and understand medical guidance and then make informed decisions about health choices.
Lower levels of health literacy can cause patients to struggle to follow their treatment plans, take medications correctly, complete needed screenings, and receive recommended...