Health Literacy

Health literacy is something that as a student in a health field I don't really think about. Our professors have enforced the concept of relationships with your client and making sure to speak to them in ways that is comprehensible to them. But today, in my foundations class, I realized why we do that. A lot of people don't know the jargon and lingo we use when we're describing conditions and treatment. As health care providers, we need to ensure our client's understand so we know they're comfortable with treatment, understanding precautinos to take while at home, to even understanding how to take their medications correctly. It is definitely something I take for granted and hope that in the future when talking with clients I can find the way to teach them on their level while not being condescending. Healthy People 2020 can help with this goal, as well as the IHI Triple Aim.

OTs can help maximize and health and well-being in their patients through education and communication. I hope that as a field we continue this path in helping others discover ways to enhance their health.

Sincerely,
The Young OTS

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