Building Health Literacy Skills: A Practical Guide
 

What you'll learn
Understand the concept and importance of health literacy in improving communication and health outcomes.
Apply effective communication strategies as a healthcare provider, such as plain language, teach-back and chunk & check.
Support patient engagement by promoting preparation and active participation in care.
Identify key organizational practices that promote a health-literate environment.
Requirements
Passion for learning.
Description
This course on health literacy is thoughtfully structured into four comprehensive sections, each addressing a key dimension of the topic to ensure a well-rounded understanding and practical application. The first section serves as an introduction, offering a clear and comprehensive definition of health literacy, while emphasizing its critical role in promoting effective communication, informed decision-making, and improved health outcomes. This foundational part sets the stage for the rest of the course by establishing why health literacy matters across all levels of the healthcare system. The second section explores health literacy from the healthcare provider's perspective, consisting of eight detailed chapters that focus on communication techniques, patient engagement strategies, and the importance of using plain language and empathetic listening to support patient understanding. It provides actionable tools that providers can implement to ensure they are meeting their patients' informational needs. The third section shifts the focus to the patient's perspective, highlighting the importance of preparation before healthcare encounters. It empowers patients by offering guidance on how to ask the right questions, retain critical health information, and actively participate in their own care. The fourth and final section examines health literacy through the lens of healthcare organizations. This part includes eleven chapters that lay out specific, action-oriented steps organizations can take to become truly health literate. These chapters cover essential topics such as staff training, material review, and system-wide communication practices that support equitable access to health information. Altogether, the course provides a multifaceted and practical approach to advancing health literacy at individual, professional, and organizational levels.
Overview
Section 1: Introduction
Lecture 1 Definition of Health Literacy
Lecture 2 Why Health Literacy is Important?
Lecture 3 Touchpoints in Healthcare
Section 2: Health Literacy from The Healthcare Provider's Perspective
Lecture 4 Engage with Your Patient - Part 1
Lecture 5 Engage with Your Patient - Part 2
Lecture 6 Balance Open and Closed Questions
Lecture 7 Conduct Brown Bag Medicine Review
Lecture 8 Use Plain Non-Medical Language - Part 1
Lecture 9 Use Plain Non-Medical Language - Part 2
Lecture 10 Use Medical Terms in This Case
Lecture 11 Slow Down, Be Specific and Concrete
Section 3: Teach-back & Chunk and Check Methods (Sub-Section of Section 2)
Lecture 12 Teach-back Definition
Lecture 13 Teach-back in Action
Lecture 14 Teach-back - Step 1 in Detail
Lecture 15 Teach-back - Step 2 in Detail
Lecture 16 Teach-back - Step 3 in Detail
Lecture 17 Teach-back - Step 4 in Detail
Lecture 18 Teach-back - Step 5 in Detail
Lecture 19 Chunk & Check in Action
Section 4: Health Literacy from The Patient's Perspective
Lecture 20 Patient's Perspective
Section 5: Health Literacy from The Health Organization Perspective
Lecture 21 Overview
Lecture 22 Train All Staff in Plain Language Communication
Lecture 23 Always Offer Interpreters or Translated Materials
Lecture 24 Design Easy-to-read Forms and Instructions
Lecture 25 Use the Teach-back Method Routinely
Lecture 26 Create Easy-to-navigate Environments
Lecture 27 Involve Patients in Designing Materials
Lecture 28 Provide Clear Explanations of Costs and Next Steps
Lecture 29 Encourage Questions Without Judgment
Lecture 30 Review and Update Materials Regularly
Lecture 31 Measure and Improve
This course is designed for all members of the healthcare team who interact with patients, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, patient advocates, medical interpreters, and other patient-facing staff. It is also relevant for health organizations seeking to build a culture of clear communication and patient-centered care through improved health literacy practices.