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Signs of Low Health Literacy
When identifying patients at risk for low health literacy, it is important to remember
that "you cannot tell by looking." People with low health literacy skills have developed
a number of clever and successful coping strategies that allow them to conceal their
problem. Some patients bring along a friend or family member who can assist with
reading. Patients may also watch the behavior of others in the same situation and
copy their actions. Some ask for help from the medical staff, while others may ask
for assistance from other patients.
Many people with low health literacy skills have figured out coping skills that
allow them to maneuver in the health care system with the least amount of personal
shame and/or embarrassment. These patients may appear, on the surface, to be in
control of their health care and treatment regimens, they are often lacking the
critical information they need to effectively manage their condition.
Although it may be difficult to identify a patient with low health literacy skills,
there are clues that a patient may need additional help. These include:
- Registration and other forms filled out incompletely or incorrectly.
- Written materials handed to a relative or other person accompanying the patient.
- "I will read this at home."
- "I can't read this now; I forgot my glasses."
- Aloofness or withdrawal during physician/provider explanations.
- Frequently misses appointments, including appointments for specialty consultations
or additional laboratory tests.
- Frequent errors in medications or self-care instructions, and consequently considered
"noncompliant."
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