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February 13, 2007
Health Literacy an Important Issue for the Health Professional
Source: Canada West News Srvice-Jan/07
Description of Issue:
An article by Sharon Dirkey discusses a new Canadian report of literacy skills. One aspect of the national study addressed Health Literacy, meaning the ability to understand all of those things, which allow you to maintain control of your health. One disturbing finding was that more than half of Canadians have trouble understanding what "take two tablets twice daily for seven days" means. In addition, nearly 90% of senior’s -the biggest users of health services in the country- lack the literacy skills needed to deal with health information.
Implications to Pharmacy:
Low health literacy can lead to dosing errors. Diabetics, for example, may have problems interpreting blood glucose scores. People are more likely to ignore warning labels.
Pharmacists must have concerns about health literacy. Health Professionals must take the time to ensure that complex medical information/instructions are put in terms that people with lower levels of literacy skills can understand.
Posted by mmacneil at February 13, 2007 09:18 PM