[NIFL-HEALTH:3418] Re: Providers assessing literacy level-- Why?

From: Marilyn Griggs (lynn@elpn.com)
Date: Wed Oct 24 2001 - 12:27:31 EDT


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From: "Marilyn Griggs" <lynn@elpn.com>
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Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:3418] Re: Providers assessing literacy level-- Why?
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----- Original Message -----
From: "Felicia Morton" <FMORTON@gmh.edu>
To: "Multiple recipients of list" <nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 9:24 AM
> I'm having a problem with this discussion...so what if a healthcare
provider finds different levels of health literacy among his/her patients? I
always thought we were to communicate health information in the most basic
language possible for ALL audiences, since even educated people prefer info
that is easy-to-read/understand> Just thoughts,

Felicia and Everyone,
I'm a health care professional who will be starting as a volunteer tutor for
ESL and GED students. The information from this list has already helped me
avoid some mistakes I surely would make.

Using the most basic language probably helps the most people for the least
cost . However, I doubt if it is helpful to someone not fluent in English
(but hiding it). In addition, I really don't prefer to have office personnel
tell me "your lab looks okay" or to hand me a pamphlet with information I
already know.

Your method is surely very helpful and it would be very difficult to tailor
your message to each individual  (especially when they hide their
communication problems). Perhaps, in some instances,  you could reach out to
some who probably wouldn't benefit from that approach.



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