MMAA Update
Toward a Common Language
The MMA Alliance has taken up the cause of health literacy.
By Conrad Schiebel
The language of medicine can be intimidating, despite the fact that we hear it spoken almost daily on television dramas. In addition to the fact that the medical lexicon is loaded with confusing terms, poor language skills, low levels of education, stress, poor socio-economic status, and cultural differences further complicate clinician-patient dialogues. The result is less-than-optimal communication in situations where patients need to, and indeed have the right to, be fully informed.
According to a recent study by the National Center for Education Statistics, only one in six Americans could be considered to have a proficient level of health literacy. That is, only a few have the skill to read and understand the written health-related information they encounter in everyday life.
This makes it likely that most patients leave their doctor’s office without understanding their illness or the medications prescribed for it. Many patients may be ashamed or embarrassed to ask follow-up questions. They’ll try to cover up their lack of understanding rather than admit they are confused, which can lead to poor compliance with treatment, prolonged illness, deteriorating health, long-term disability, and even death. Poor communication between patients and doctors also can lead to litigation. Many malpractice lawsuits cite communication breakdown as a contributing factor. In such cases, patients often say explanation of the diagnosis or treatment was inadequate, their concerns were either ignored or devalued, or they felt rushed.
Tips for Improving Communication with Patients
1. Slow down. Speak slowly and take time to listen.
2. Use plain, nonmedical language.
3. Show or draw pictures to make your point.
4. Limit the amount of information provided, then repeat it.
5. Use the teach-back or show-me method, which has patients reiterate what you told them.
6. Create a shame-free environment. Make patients feel comfortable asking questions and encourage family and friends to help convey points, if necessary. |
In order to help improve provider-patient communication, the Minnesota Medical Association Alliance is embarking on two initiatives. The first is aimed at building the communication skills of health professionals. The American Medical Association has created a health literacy curriculum to help health care providers bridge the communication gap. This interactive course exposes caregivers to situations they will encounter in practice and teaches them how to ensure that their patients understand what they’re saying. The Alliance will be offering this course to medical and nursing students in Minnesota. We plan to train Alliance and MMA members who would like to become course facilitators and then make the course, worth 2.5 CME credits, available to any groups who ask for it.
The second targets future health care consumers. Health writer and MMA Alliance member Harriet Hodgson has written a children’s activity book, Cracking the Health Words Code, which is aimed at children in grades three to five. The book introduces the child and other family members to medical terminology through the use of activities, puzzles, and games. Our hope is that schools and pediatricians adopt this valuable health resource. The books are available for sale from the MMA and can be ordered on the Alliance page of the MMA Web site. The Alliance is also promoting them at community schools and health fairs, and to public health nurses.
By helping health care professionals and the public learn to better speak and understand the language of medicine, we hope to improve patient compliance and put us on track to becoming a healthier Minnesota. MM
Conrad Schiebel is president of the Minnesota Medical Association Alliance.