As part of the healthcare overhaul, President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act to address the rate at which patients experience adverse medical events due to health illiteracy. Under this legislation, information regarding medications and other care regimens must be laid out in plain English. Studies have shown certain patient populations, such as the elderly, poor and recent immigrants, are more prone to health illiteracy. Other research suggests health illiteracy can cause the cost of healthcare to skyrocket to almost $238 billion a year, according to the news report.
To help address the lack of health literacy, many healthcare providers are relying on technology to help flag technical language. Patients also watch and receive videos and handouts with visuals to help them understand health language and their individual care regimens.
Read the news report about health literacy.
Read other coverage about patient safety:
– Patient Safety Commission Administrator Opposes Mandatory Hospital Reporting
– Overview: Infection Prevention and Control for Computers in Patient Care Areas
– Patient Safety Tool: Guide for Patients When Leaving Your Facility
