Health literacy needs assessment at a community health center: A first step toward helping providers and patients communicate

Background: For patients to take appropriate health actions, it is critical for health care providers to use methods of communication that can be understood by their clients. 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." In Connecticut, 15% of residents have low health literacy which is linked to poor health outcomes and higher rates of hospitalization. Understanding the health literacy needs and abilities of patients can help inform providers on how best to improve communication.

Purpose: This study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of health literacy in a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Connecticut. We seek to use quantitative and qualitative methods to assess patient capacity for understanding medical information, physician practices to address health literacy needs, and both groups' suggestions for improvements. Through integrating these data we will develop feasible and appropriate recommendations for improving communication quality.

Methods: 1) Conduct a provider focus group and key informant interviews to assess provider and administration perceptions on health literacy. 2) Administer the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) in a representative sample of the patient population. 3) Conduct a survey regarding participant understanding of communication with providers.

Expected Outcome: This study will provide data about the health literacy levels of an FQHC patient population and recommendations for communicating with low-health literacy patients, which will benefit Hill Health Center providers and others working with a diverse client base.