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You Have The Right to Understand California Literacy, Inc.

What is Health Literacy? The ability to read, understand, and act on health information.

"A statewide effort to get..." A statewide effort to get more doctors, nurses and adult educators to work together to create solutions for low health literacy.

The Doctor Says: “You have hypertension.  You need to abstain from high-sodium foods, and partake in a rigorous exercise regimen.”

What Does That Mean? Have you ever been confused by your doctor? Have you ever asked a question of your doctor, and not understood the answer? Have you ever not asked a question because you were embarrassed or scared?

AMA Video Think about how health literacy comes into play in your own life…

Why Are You at Risk? A lot of written instructions for patients The health system is hard to understand More medicines More tests and things you have to do Patients have to take care of themselves

Low Health Literacy Equals Problems with… Medications Appointment slips Informed consents Discharge instructions Health education materials Insurance applications

You Have The Right To Understand You have the right to understand the health information that you hear from your doctor The doctor works for you!

What Can You Do? 1.  Before going to the doctor’s office 2.  While you are at the doctor’s office 3.  After you leave the doctor’s office

Before the Visit: Prepare questions Write down your symptoms Decide how you will get to your appointment and make sure you know where it is Research Talk with friends and family

"During the Visit:" During the Visit: Ask questions (avoid “White Coat Amnesia”) Bring a friend or family member to help you understand the doctor

"During the Visit:" During the Visit: Take notes (or have a friend take notes) Ask for a photocopy of any helpful information that the doctor has Ask for a photocopy of any test results Keep these results in a file, and bring them when you go to a new doctor

"During the Visit:" During the Visit: Ask the doctor to repeat the information: More slowly With a picture In different words

"During the Visit:" During the Visit: When you can repeat it in your own words, you understand it

AMA Video There are different ways to make sure that you understand health information Use the “teach-back” method with your doctor

After the Visit: Tell a friend or a family member what    the doctor told you    Remember:  When you can repeat it in your own words, you understand it

"After the Visit:" After the Visit: Have a clear understanding of your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions Follow-through with instructions for healthy living and medications Ask more questions Call the doctor’s office

What Questions Do You Ask? Ask Me 3 What is my main problem? What do I need to do? Why is it important for me to do this?

When Do I Ask the 3 Questions? When you see your doctor, nurse or pharmacist When you prepare for a medical test or procedure When you pick up your medication

The Doctor Says: “You have hypertension.  You need to abstain from high-sodium foods, and partake in a rigorous exercise regimen.”

"Your doctor says," Your doctor says, “Your main problem is hypertension.” What is my main problem? You should know and understand    what your main problem is

What Do You Say? Your doctor says, “You need to abstain from any foods that are high in sodium and you need to start an immediate exercise regimen.” What do I need to do?  You should know and understand what you need to do.

What Do You Say? Your doctor says,“Without an alteration in your life habits, you are more likely to suffer from serious health problems.” Why is it important for me to do this? You should know and understand why it is important for you to do what your doctor tells you

Get Your Information In Plain Language What is my main problem? “Your blood pressure is too high.” What do I need to do? “You need to eat less salt, and you need to exercise more.” Why is it important for me to do this? “If you eat healthy food and exercise, you can stay healthy and feel better.”

Tips to Manage Your Health: Make a list of your health concerns Bring a list of all your medicines to your doctor and pharmacist Bring a family member or friend to your doctor visit Ask your pharmacist for help if you have questions about your medicine Ask the 3 questions

Summary: You Have The Right To Understand Your doctor works for you! Ask Me 3 www.askme3.org California Health Literacy Initiative

Contact Us California Literacy, Inc. 1475 Powell Street, Suite 106 Emeryville, CA 94608 Contact:  Beccah Rothschild        Health Literacy Manager 510-655-3264 beccah@caliteracy.org