As Health Literacy Month draws to a close, here are some reminders about the vital importance of health literacy and plain language in communications with, and materials for, patients and research subjects. Health literacy is a growing concern for both providers and researchers. Nearly half of American adults read at between a 7th- and 8th-grade [Read more]
This fall, our #SciComm Seminars are back with exciting topics to expand your science communication skills in new ways. The series is presented in partnership with the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS). In the 2018-19 series, we learned a lot about topics like communicating genetic results, community partnerships, visual communication, and more. Here [Read more]
With July in full swing, now is a great time to plan ways to keep your family healthy this summer and beyond. Swimming, hiking, biking—whatever your family enjoys—St. Louis has access to it all. The Feuerstein Health & Wellness Information Center has pulled together some of our favorite resources for planning healthy activities. New titles [Read more]
Stop by and see us at the School of Medicine’s annual Health Happening on Friday, Feb.22 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Eric P. Newman Education Center. We’re excited to discuss consumer health issues and resources with you, including what’s available at the new Feurstein Health and Wellness Information Center. Below are links to a [Read more]
In 2017, Becker Library began a collaboration with the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences for a new monthly series, #SciComm Thursdays. Over the course of nine sessions, more than 18 faculty, staff, and journalists shared their best practices and pro-tips for communicating clearly about science. This fall, monthly #SciComm Thursdays are back, kicking off [Read more]
Patients highlight listening and empathy – “the ability to understand the patient’s situation, perspective, and feelings and to communicate that understanding to the patient”1 – as two of the most important qualities they look for when choosing a physician. Despite this, studies of patient-physician communication show that physicians interrupt their patients, on average, within the [Read more]
Stop by and see us at the School of Medicine’s annual Health Happening on Tuesday, Feb.13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Eric P. Newman Education Center. We’re excited to discuss consumer health issues and resources with you! Below are links to a wealth of information for anyone interested in a variety of consumer health [Read more]
You’ve likely not thought much about it since high school English, but it’s time to talk about it again—using active voice. Active voice makes it clear who is doing what.
Nine out of 10 adults struggle to understand and use health information when it is unfamiliar, complex and contains jargon. Limited health literacy costs the health care system money and results in higher-than-necessary morbidity and mortality. Yet ensuring patient materials and consent forms use plain, easily understood language sometimes falls through the cracks for busy [Read more]
Patient portals are increasingly popular, but can patients understand the content? Check out this study that used the CDC's Clear Communication Index to measure the clarity of content on patient portals. If you're already sharing information on patient portals, ask how our Health Literacy & Plain Language Services can help you create easy-to-read materials to reach [Read more]