Return-Path: <nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.9.3/8.9.0.Beta5/980425bjb) with SMTP id NAA10475; Fri, 25 Feb 2000 13:29:35 -0500 (EST) Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2000 13:29:35 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <01BF7F93.A92BC000.mtait@literacyvolunteers.org> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: Marsha Tait <mtait@literacyvolunteers.org> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:2230] Re: It's a control issue X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" X-Mailer: Microsoft Internet E-mail/MAPI - 8.0.0.4211 Status: OR Unfortunately, we do not have any information about how Dr. Parker came up with her estimate. The example of the patient in ICU because of misunderstood dietary instructions about bananas illustrates the kind of problems that result when adults do not have sufficient literacy skills to follow preventive as well as prescriptive medical instructions. The inability to understand preventive care, to follow dosage instructions for medication, to comply with health insurance procedures, and to participate actively in treatment can all lead to otherwise preventable medical complications, and expensive emergency room care. Most of the adults whom LVA and other volunteer literacy programs serve function at the lowest levels of literacy skill. They may be native speakers of English or immigrants. If they are immigrants, then compounding the problem may be cultural barriers in addition to language barriers. Many of our "routine" medical practices may have offensive implications to those from other cultures, particularly Asian cultures. Consequently, these adults may avoid medical care altogether if someone does not take the time to bridge the cultural gap. Marsha L. Tait President Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. 635 James St. Syracuse, NY 13203 (315) 472-0001 http:www.literacyvolunteers.org -----Original Message----- From: Sandra Smith [SMTP:sandras@u.washington.edu] Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2000 6:48 PM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:2225] Re: It's a control issue Marsha: I would love to have the citation or background for this estimate of of the cost of low literacy to healthcare. Any hints? SS -----Original Message----- From: Marsha Tait [SMTP:mtait@literacyvolunteers.org] Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2000 3:36 PM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:2224] Re: It's a control issue At a health-related literacy conference held recently in Washington, Dr. Ruth Parker of the Emory School of Medicine estimated that low literacy skills result in a loss of more than $73 BILLION per year to the health care industry. I think that answers the question, "What's in it for the health professional?" The health care profession has clearly begun to recognize that low literacy skills cost both the industry and society money (and lots of it). The challenge, incumbent upon us as adult education/literacy providers I think, is to begin a dialogue with the health care industry about partnerships and collaborations that are mutually beneficial. I am also bothered by the notion that this is an issue of control. This is an issue of education and meaningful dialogue. Marsha L. Tait President Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. 635 James St. Syracuse, NY 13203 (315) 472-0001 http:www.literacyvolunteers.org -----Original Message----- From: Dwyoho@aol.com [SMTP:Dwyoho@aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2000 12:35 PM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:2206] Re: It's a control issue In a message dated 02/21/2000 8:08:46 PM Eastern Standard Time, CPGarzona@aol.com writes: << You're still under the notion that health-care professionals want to empower their patients, want them to understand, and want them to participate in decision making? >> The cynicism behind this statement, plus the assertion or implication that health professionals deliberately obfuscate patient information for "control", bothers me, and I am not even a health professional. Yet, I suppose there could be a grain of truth here. I just want to say the essence of health literacy involves building bridges. If we assume that health professionals don't want anything to do with this idea, we are defeated before we ever begin. On the other hand, I think a fair question to pose as efforts in this field grow is "What's in it for the health professional?" So far, my experience answers: At the very least, health literacy efforts are essential to lower the risk of lawsuits and ugly publicity for the health community--and insurance companies, pharmaceuticals, etc. Comments, anyone? Deborah W. Yoho Chief Executive Officer Greater Columbia Literacy Council 921 Woodrow Street Columbia, SC 29205 803/765-2555 dwyoho@aol.com
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