Health Literacy Training

Low health literacy is a huge problem among U.S. patients. Only 12% understand how to take their medications properly, how to read their lab results, and other important health information necessary for good health outcomes.
*Sources: Centers for Disease Control & the American Medical Association

At WFC, we think outside of the box when it comes to health literacy. We teach health literacy through fun translational health strategies, including games like Trivia Pursuit, Jeopardy, and Bingo. Adults learn how to read their lab reports and much more.

Our health literacy training is taught in both English and Spanish.

What is health literacy?

Health literacy measures your ability to obtain, process and understand basic health information…

…and then use that information to make informed and appropriate healthcare decisions.

Because of poor health literacy….

50%

OF PATIENTS

leave their doctor appointments
not knowing what they were told
or what they are supposed to do

Poor health literacy is linked to
                      100,000 deaths every year.

People with poor health literacy
skills are more likely to:

Report their health as poor.

Visit an emergency room.

Spend more for their healthcare.

Have chronic conditions and not know how to manage them.

What you can do:

There are several simple steps you can take
to improve your health literacy, including:

At the doctor’s office, ask questions if something is not clear, or if you don’t understand.

Repeat care instructions back to the doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

When leaving the doctor’s office or other healthcare facility, ask for written instructions.

Bring a friend or family member to
appointments:Two pairs of ears are better
than one. Your friend or family member may
catch something you’ve missed.

.Educate yourself. Resources like the free
healthcare app iTriage can help you learn
about conditions, procedures and medications.

PHOTO GALLERY

Westminster Free Clinic