Hi Everyone,

I promised to share with you the answers to my question about what
topics you want to see discussed on the list this year. Here are the
responses we got. I will make sure that we talk about these issues at
some point, either as part of a scheduled discussion with a guest
speaker, or otherwise. Please let me know at any point if you have other
ideas, and of course you are always welcome to share a question or
comment with the list at any time.

All the best,
Julie


Topics of Interest From Subscribers:
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In the coming year I would like to hear more about literacy issues,
public health and epidemics. It seems to me the necessity to prioritize
pandemic information should be paramount.
******************************

Re: promising practices.  We would be especially interested in hearing
about experiences with any systems changes (for example, how to address
the need/desire to change patient education practices and current
reimbursement policies from insurers). We've spent quite a bit of time
discussing our interest in integrating health educators/navigators etc.
into our services but are challenged by how to pay for them. We of
course are discussing many issues and intervention ideas, this is just
one of the stickier ones!  
******************************

The discussion on the "political", ie. the government definition of
Health Literacy, was very important to me. Being dependent on grants, I
have to not only know the subject matter andresearch but also the
political landscape. Anything you can do to keep that going would be
wonderful to me.
******************************

Re: using pictures - it wold be very helpful to be aware of any research
in this area.  It would also be helpful to learn of any free /
inexpensive resources for medical / healthcare images 
******************************

Re: communication challenges - providers are extremely challenged by
time constraints.  It would be helpful to have some of this discussion
focus specifically on strategies to communicate effectively AND
efficiently.  What is the research about using models, decision aids, RN
prep of pts for MD visit etc to promote learning in a brief time period?

******************************

I have reviewed the NAAL data and was particularly struck by the
percentage of readers at the Below Basic / Basic skills level with
college degree or graduate education / degree.  What does this say about
our post-secondary school system?  What unique strategies can we use for
literacy assessment and communication in marginally literate individuals
with college / grad school degrees
******************************

I am very interested in the interaction between literacy and Maslow's
hierarchy of needs in acute health care.  The relationship between
literacy and health status has been clearly demonstrated but how much of
this is impacted by an individual's inability to focus on their higher
level needs because they are dealing with basic safety / security
issues?  How do we integrate clear communication with problem-solving
support, access to resources, etc. in this population?  I think this is
the intent of the Navigator model being investigated in vulnerable
populations by NCI, but short of providing everyone with their own
Navigator, what can we do in today's health care system?
******************************

As far as topics, highlighting communication problems between patients
and providers seems unnecessary as it has been discussed over and over
again. I'd much rather hear about solutions that patients and providers
find effective.  
*******************************


Julie McKinney
Discussion List Moderator
World Education/NCSALL
jmckinney at worlded.org