Building a Foundation of Health Literacy with Ask Me 3™

Abstract

Extensive research has linked low health literacy and negative patient outcomes. It has found that these outcomes are due to a lack of understanding caused by low literacy, discomfort with asking questions, use of medical terminology, anxiety caused by the condition itself, and forgetfulness — all of which are key components of health literacy. Ask Me 3™, a program created by the Partnership for Clear Health Communication, has shown positive results in addressing these which in turn have significantly improved patient outcomes. In 2010, Novant Health implemented this program throughout the organization. Increased awareness of health literacy concerns, which became more noticeable to providers and clinicians as the program was practiced, led to the development of patient education materials using this program as a guideline.

KEYWORDS:

• Attitudes of health personnel
• evidence-based medicine
• health literacy
• health outcomes
• organizational innovation
• patient care
• patient education
• patient participation
• patient safety
• patient satisfaction
• patient-centered care
• patient-physician relations
• quality improvement
• staff development
• teamwork