What are the common barriers to effective patient education for those with low health literacy?

1 Language and culture

One of the main barriers to effective patient education is the language and cultural gap between patients and providers. Patients who speak a different language or have a different cultural background may face difficulties in communicating their needs, preferences, and concerns. They may also have different beliefs, values, and expectations about health and illness. Providers need to be aware of these differences and use appropriate strategies to bridge them, such as using interpreters, translators, or cultural mediators, providing multilingual and culturally sensitive materials, and respecting patients' choices and autonomy.

2 Complexity and jargon

Another barrier to effective patient education is the complexity and jargon of medical information. Patients with low health literacy may struggle to understand technical terms, abbreviations, numbers, graphs, or charts. They may also have trouble following instructions, remembering details, or asking questions. Providers need to simplify and clarify the information they give to patients, using plain language, concrete examples, visual aids, and teach-back methods. They also need to check patients' comprehension, encourage feedback, and repeat or summarize the key points.

3 Time and trust

A third barrier to effective patient education is the time and trust factor. Patients with low health literacy may need more time and attention to learn and retain the information they receive. However, providers often face time constraints and competing demands that limit their ability to provide patient education. Patients may also feel rushed, intimidated, or embarrassed to ask questions or express their concerns. Providers need to allocate sufficient time and resources for patient education, create a supportive and respectful environment, and build rapport and trust with patients.

4 Motivation and empowerment

A fourth barrier to effective patient education is the motivation and empowerment of patients. Patients with low health literacy may lack the confidence, interest, or readiness to engage in their own health care. They may also face barriers such as low self-efficacy, low social support, or competing priorities that affect their ability to act on the information they receive. Providers need to assess and address patients' motivation and empowerment levels, using strategies such as motivational interviewing, goal-setting, action planning, and follow-up.

5 Accessibility and availability

A fifth barrier to effective patient education is the accessibility and availability of health information. Patients with low health literacy may have limited access to reliable and relevant sources of health information, such as the internet, libraries, or community organizations. They may also have difficulty finding, evaluating, or using the information they need. Providers need to ensure that patients have access to appropriate and adequate health information, using strategies such as providing referrals, links, or handouts, and verifying the quality and accuracy of the information.

6 Literacy and numeracy

A sixth barrier to effective patient education is the literacy and numeracy skills of patients. Patients with low health literacy may have difficulties in reading, writing, or calculating, which can affect their ability to understand and apply health information. They may also have low digital literacy, which can limit their use of online or electronic health resources. Providers need to assess and accommodate patients' literacy and numeracy levels, using strategies such as oral communication, pictograms, or demonstrations, and avoiding assumptions or judgments.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?