Health literacy 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." (National Library of Medicine)
Health literacy includes the ability to understand instructions on prescription drug bottles, appointment slips, medical education brochures, doctor's directions and consent forms, and the ability to negotiate complex health care systems. Health literacy is not simply the ability to read. It requires a complex group of reading, listening, analytical, and decision-making skills, and the ability to apply these skills to health situations.
Healthcare professionals have an important role to play in ensuring that health literacy of a society improves as they continue to serve in that community. This is a worthy cause I would like to commit myself into. And I need all the help I can get. Would you care to join in to support me?
A program called "Ask Me 3" is designed to bring public and doctor attention to this issue, by letting patients know that they should ask three questions each time they talk to a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist:
- What is my main problem?
- What do I need to do?
- Why is it important for me to do this?
Try it out.
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