Structuring and presenting healthcare information that aligns with a patient's level of understanding can help patients achieve optimal outcomes. The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority is participating in a statewide health literacy initiative focused on providing strategies to healthcare providers that help patients understand and engage in their medical care. A search of the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System identified 265 potential health literacy--related event reports in which patients misunderstood or did not comprehend healthcare instructions provided to them by healthcare clinicians. The most frequent outcomes of patients misunderstanding instructions or information were delayed or cancelled procedures, surgeries, treatments, or tests; or patients leaving without being seen. Verbal communication strategies such as "teach back" and "Ask Me 3®" programs and written strategies address opportunities identified in the event reports and may help improve patient understanding and engagement in their care.
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