Oral

According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (2003), only 12% of Americans have proficient health literacy skills. It is also reported that much of today's available health information exceeds the cognitive capabilities of older adults, and Health communication deficits exist at all levels of the healthcare system, including providers, educators, policymakers, and through the mass media. Presenters will explore the changing paradigm that the responsibility for understanding health information lies largely on the policies, training, skills, and tools created and used by health care and public health professionals. Improving communication skills and tools and implementing policies and standards for health professionals, clinicians, and the public health community at all levels will yield better health results for a more well-informed population that can translate instructions, guides, and facts into positive health behavior changes. What incentives, policies, or mandates from federal or state agencies, from funders, or other entities will prompt a call to action to effectuate policy changes to improve health literacy and health communications?

Session Objectives: - Describe the benefits of including a focus on consumer health literacy in public health departments, clinical settings and community-based health programs - Discuss strategies for assessing health literacy gaps and setting goals to improve access to and navigation of health care systems and to help the public become more engaged and empowered as health care consumers - Describe solutions and opportunities for public health agencies and non-profit organizations to partner with teaching hospitals, health care organizations and other partners to implement health literacy policies, standards and tools

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)