Nearly 80 million Americans have limited health literacy.^* And almost 90% of adults have difficulty understanding health information with complex and unfamiliar terms.^**

Health literacy can impact how people take care of their health. Research has shown a link between lower health literacy and:

• Less frequent preventive care
• More hospital stays and use of emergency care
• Difficulty taking medicines appropriately and interpreting labels^*

Five clear communication tips:

1. Speak with your patients in mind.
   How would their age, education level, or culture influence how they hear your message?
2. Use words your patients understand.
   Avoid jargon, acronyms, medical terms, and “big” words. If you can’t, be sure to explain them.
3. Address questions or concerns your patients may have.
   If you were a patient, is there anything else you’d want to know?
4. Get creative.
   Draw pictures or use visual aids.***
5. Use the teach-back method.
   Ask your patients to repeat what you said to them.***

Want to learn more about clear communications?

Check out these insightful resources:

• Plain Language Materials & Resources | Health Literacy | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Experts share 5 strategies for clearer conversations about health care | Cigna Newsroom
• Plainlanguage.gov

* “Low health literacy and health outcomes: an updated systematic review.” Berkman ND, Sheridan SL, Donahue KE, Halpern DJ, Crotty K. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21768583/

** “Talking points about health literacy.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/shareinteract/TellOthers.html

*** “Experts share 5 strategies for clearer conversations about health care.” Cigna Healthcare. Retrieved from https://newsroom.cigna.com/five-strategies-for-clearer-conversations-about-health-care