Healthcare is one of the most important foundations for a person’s well-being, yet not everyone is equipped to understand it. In the U.S. alone, only 12% of adults are “proficiently health literate.” According to research from the Milken Institute, patients who have a low health literacy score are more likely to miss their appointments or disregard their follow-ups, which can lead to worsened health complications over time. To address these challenges and empower patients, NPs can play a pivotal role in supporting health literacy among patients.
Patients’ Rights Made Clear
A fundamental part of health literacy is understanding patient rights. Patients who are equipped with this knowledge are more empowered as they go along their healthcare journey. The more a patient understands, the more they will be able to make informed decisions and advocate for their well-being.
To ensure that patients understand their rights, here are a few key points to consider discussing:
- Informed Consent: Emphasize to patients that they have a right to receive clear, comprehensive information about their diagnosis and treatment options, and especially any risks that come with the procedure.
- Right to Refuse: Provide further support to patients by ensuring they know that they have a right to refuse treatment, especially if they are uncomfortable with any potential risks.
- Second Opinion: Share with patients that they always have a right to seek additional perspectives from other healthcare professionals to help them in making decisions regarding their healthcare.
- Access Medical Records: Help patients understand that they are entitled to their medical records upon request.
Simplifying Health Terminology
With the complex terminology that is so commonplace in the healthcare landscape, it can be difficult for many patients to fully understand the information presented to them. Patients who don’t have the level of health literacy necessary to comprehend such terminology risk confusion and making poor decision regarding their health as well as not complying with treatment plans. In order to ensure both a patient’s well-being and their satisfaction, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to aid them regarding health terminology.
One strategy to assist patients in these situations is to use plain language. A small example is the word “hypertension.” Instead of using the official term, it is helpful to use the phrase “high blood pressure” to be more easily understood.
Visual aids are another helpful strategy for sharing educational information. By using diagrams, infographics, or videos, patients can better understand the medical information presented to them.
It’s also beneficial to break information into chunks. That way, the details are presented in smaller, digestible segments rather than all at once, which can easily overwhelm any patient. This is especially helpful for patients dealing with lifelong conditions that may require multiple types of treatments.
Breaking Down Insurance Barriers
Navigating the health insurance process for patients can be overwhelming. Some may even give up on the journey altogether as they cannot understand coverage—or how to get the coverage they need if they do not already have it. Ensuring that patients understand their health insurance is a powerful way to grant them more control over their health.
Healthcare professionals such as NPs can help patients understand the specifics of their insurance plans, including covered services, co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. Some patients may benefit from tailored guidance to obtain prior authorizations for treatments or medications.
Patients who continuously struggle to afford healthcare can be directed to other options, such as clinics with sliding scale fees based on income or telehealth visits. To further support patients, identify organizations that provide grants or financial aid for specific conditions.
Empowering Through Education
Health literacy is vital for equitable healthcare, and NPs play a vital role in empowering patients with it during their health journeys. By helping patients understand their rights, simplifying medical terminology, and guiding them through the intricacies of insurance and financial barriers, NPs can transform confusion into confidence and action.
