Blog 2: Health Literacy

Blog Topic 2

"Based on what you learned from the PLE and readings, first describe a real or hypothetical scenario where health literacy comes into play, capturing the transmission of some health information, the challenges understanding, and implications. Then, based on the RCMHOL Model (in the PLE > Module 3), identify and describe the most compromising contributor to health literacy issues. Finally, what is the answer? What would you suggest as a remedy?"

***Remember to cite or quote appropriately, and completely explain your ideas. Blog posts should be between 2-3 paragraphs.

Blog 2

When visiting an unfamiliar doctor’s office, a patient is required to fill out the necessary information that pertains to their medical history. The patient scrambles through the form looking for recognizable vocabulary. Without having the appropriate functional health literacy to comprehend the form, the patient leaves out valuable information that could contribute to a lifesaving diagnosis. This lack of confidence while filling out the forms leaves the patient doubtful and increasingly insecure. While being seen by the new doctor, the health illiterate patient did not receive the necessary instruction and diagnosis despite their desperate pursuit.

The most compromising contributor to the patient’s health literacy issue is their individual capacities; specifically involving their reading fluency and prior knowledge. In the Conceptual Model of Health Literacy, (RCMOHL, 2011) it is indicated that the patient is having difficulty with health-related print literacy. The patient’s suggested remedy is to discover new knowledge and develop positive attitudes in order to receive improved health outcomes. I would personally suggest performing further research. After taking in the information the doctor has presented, the patient has the ability to perform additional investigation. This extra step could assist in the search for the patient’s desired diagnosis. Although this may not be the exact antidote for the health illiterate patient, these suggestions provide a supplementary foundation for the patient’s expansion in health education.

Reference:

Information Received from COMM 495 Module 3 – Health Literacy.

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