This document discusses a study conducted at the North Chicago VA Medical Center (NCVAMC) looking at the impact of patient literacy, HbA1c understanding, and socio-demographic factors on attendance and retention in VA diabetes education programs. The study found that 48% of high-risk diabetes patients at NCVAMC either dropped out of or did not participate in education programs. The researchers aimed to develop new education tools to better communicate with patients and influence health behaviors. The document reviews the impact of low health literacy and proposes initiatives at NCVAMC such as redesigning education materials and using techniques like Ask Me 3 to improve patient-provider communication.

1. “ What Are the Influences of Patient Literacy, HbA1c Understanding, and Socio-Demographic Variables on the Effectiveness, Attendance and Retention of VA Diabetes Patient Educational Initiatives? ” Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Chicago, IL USA Dr. Tariq Hassan, M.D. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Chicago, IL Dr. Barry Weiss, M.D. University of Arizona, Tucson Dr. George Lutz, Ph. D, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Chicago, IL Dr. Tom Muscarello, Ph. D, DePaul University David R. Donohue. M.A. Qualitative Technologies, Inc. and Northwestern University [email_address]

5. Definitions

8. Low Health Literacy Impacts a Patient’s Ability to Fully Engage in the Healthcare System A Large US Study Conducted on Health Literacy Found That… Source: Williams MV, Parker RM, Baker DW, et al. Inadequate Functional Health Literacy Among Patients at Two Public Hospitals. JAMA 1995 Dec 6; 274(21):1,677–82 33% Were unable to read basic health care materials 42% Could not comprehend directions for taking medication on an empty stomach 26% Were unable to understand information on an appointment slip 43% Did not understand the rights and responsibilities section of a Medicaid application 60% Did not understand a standard informed consent

9. National Adult Literacy Survey 2003 U.S. Department of Education ▲ 47 % of the adult U.S. population - approximately 87 million people - has only a basic or below basic literacy levels

15. Creating Solutions

22. Finding a Solution