Health literacy, the ability to obtain and understand basic health information, plays an important role in a patient’s health. The way a patient can read and follow directions on prescription labels or read brochures or consent forms are all aspects of health literacy. Those who cannot process or understand directions for a treatment are less likely to have positive health outcomes and may have increased medical expenses. Being health literate does not necessarily equal being highly educated in general. Even highly educated people can have a difficult time understanding and follow health information. Communication is important for increasing health literacy, as seen in CVS/pharmacy’s “Ask Me 3” health literacy program. The program aims to enhance the dialogue between patients and pharmacists by encouraging patients to ask three questions:
- What is my main problem?
- What do I need to do?
- Why is it important for me to do this?
Asking questions like these can improve understanding between patients and health care providers. Patients can also improve their health literacy by being an engaged patient and taking a proactive stance towards their own health.
