HEALTH EDUCATION

BEVERLY D. TAGUINOD, MSN

Clinical Instructor
• LITERACY – is the ability to read, write,
speak and listen in a way that lets us
communicate effectively and make
sense of the world.

• HEALTH LITERACY- is the degree

to which individuals have the
capacity to obtain, process, and
understand basic health
information needed to make
appropriate health decisions.
Low health literacy is more
prevalent among: Older adults.
READIBILITY - The ease with which a reader can
successfully decipher, process, and make
meaning of the text read. Typographical features
of the text are critical; letter shape, size, and
spacing all meaningfully impact fluency and
comprehension.
READABILITY IS ABOUT THE READER –
READING LEVELS
• ELEMENTARY READING

• The first level of reading is elementary reading, which is what we

learned to do in elementary school. Most of us never get beyond this
level.

• Other names might be rudimentary reading, basic reading or initial

reading; any one of these terms serves to suggest that as one masters
this level one passes from nonliteracy to at least beginning literacy. In
mastering this level, one learns the rudiments of the art of reading,
receives basic training in reading, and acquires initial reading skills.
INSPECTIONAL READING

The second level of reading is inspectional reading, which can be thought of us intelligently
skimming a book in a limited amount of time. Not only does this prime our brain with the
material in the book, but it helps us determine if we want to read the entire book.
 ANALYTICAL READING

The third level of reading is called analytical reading, which goes deeper than inspectional
reading. If your goal in reading is entertainment or acquiring information, analytical reading
is not necessary. However, if you are reading to improve understanding, analytical reading is
e n t i r e l y n e c e s s a r y .

Francis Bacon remarked “some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed,

and some few to be chewed and digested.” Think of analytical reading as
chewing and digesting.
• SYNTOPICAL READING

• It is the most complex and systematic type of reading of all. It

makes very heavy demands on the reader, even if the materials
he is reading are themselves relatively easy and unsophisticated.
Another name for this level might be comparative reading.
PATIENTS

• 1. Slow down and take time.

2. Use plain, nonmedical,
everyday language.
3. Show or draw pictures and use
other teaching tools whenever
possible.
4. Limit the amount of
information provided and
repeat it.
5 . U s e t h e te a c h - b a c k o r
show-me technique.
6.Create a shame-free
environment.
Guidelines for Developing Patient Education
Materials
Guidelines for Developing Patient Education
Materials
• Use visuals as much as possible (DVDs or printed illustrations) of
anatomical features of the specific system that relates to the patient's
problem or need
• Choose books, pamphlets, and/or brochures that are written at a
third to fifth grade level
• Use short sentences (10 words or less) when developing printed
materials
• Write paragraphs with no more than two or three sentences with one
key point per paragraph
Guidelines for Developing Patient Education
Materials
• Focus efforts on key bullet points of "must know"
information
• Use visual terms such as "runny nose" and "redness"
• Explain measurements, e.g. "pain that lasts more than 30
minutes"
• Clearly list when the patient needs to call the doctor and
what phone number to call
Guidelines for Developing Patient Education
Materials
• Focus on actions patients should do using familiar
words
• Use plain language: Define any terms that are difficult
to understand
• Have patient and family members "teach back" the
information to you to ensure understanding
Guidelines for Developing Patient Education
Materials
• Be aware of language, customs, and values to create a
culturally sensitive and effective tool
• Use wide margins and leave white space between
sections
• Find an advocate for the person with low literacy who
will ensure that the individual understands and
follows through with instructions