Are you confused about health information? You're not alone | Lisa Fitzpatrick | TEDxMidAtlantic

Summary

Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick highlights the critical issue of low health literacy, which leads to confusion and increased healthcare costs. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication and the need for healthcare providers to embrace technology to educate patients effectively. Through her 'Dr. Lisa on The Street' initiative, she showcases the power of the grapevine in spreading health information and stresses the need for accurate, accessible knowledge. Dr. Fitzpatrick calls for individuals to take control of their health literacy, engage with healthcare providers, and seek out the information necessary for maintaining good health.

Takeaways

• 😀 Health literacy is crucial for understanding and utilizing health information effectively.
• 🏥 Despite being constantly exposed to health information, many people still struggle with health literacy, leading to confusion and misinformation.
• 💸 Low health literacy can be costly, with estimates suggesting it costs up to $238 billion annually in the U.S. due to increased healthcare utilization.
• 👨‍⚕️ The healthcare system often uses outdated tools and communication strategies that don't align with patient needs, leading to gaps in health literacy.
• 📱 Embracing technology can be a key solution to improving health literacy, as it allows for more accessible and engaging communication with patients.
• 🌐 The 'grapevine' or word-of-mouth communication plays a significant role in spreading health information, which can be both beneficial and detrimental if not verified.
• 🤝 Patients should take an active role in their health by seeking out information, asking questions, and ensuring they understand their healthcare.
• 📈 Investing in health literacy can lead to significant savings for the healthcare system, with research showing a potential return of $25 for every $1 spent.
• 👂 Listening to patients and communicating in a language they understand is essential for improving health outcomes and building trust.
• 🚑 Preventable health crises, like the case of John who ended up in a diabetic coma, highlight the urgent need for better health literacy and patient-provider communication.

Q & A

What is health literacy and why is it important?

Health literacy is the ability to understand and utilize health information. It is important because low health literacy can lead to confusion and misinformation, which can result in people seeking medical care later when they are sicker, incurring higher healthcare costs.

What is the estimated annual cost of low health literacy?

The latest cost estimates of low health literacy are up to $238 billion a year.

How does the speaker plan to use her skills to address health literacy?

The speaker, along with a videographer named Francis Tatum, created 'Dr. Lisa on The Street' to educate people about basic health information in a relatable and understandable way.

What role does the grapevine play in health information dissemination?

The grapevine acts as a powerful educator, often spreading information quickly. However, it can also lead to the spread of misinformation, causing chaos and confusion, as seen in the example of the recent Ebola scare.

Why do outdated tools and strategies contribute to health literacy issues?

Outdated tools and strategies fail to effectively communicate with patients, leading to misunderstandings and lack of engagement. For example, using a health literacy test that only measures reading ability doesn't necessarily reflect a patient's ability to follow medical advice or manage their health.

What is the speaker's view on the use of technology in healthcare communication?

The speaker believes that doctors need to embrace technology to improve communication with patients. She suggests that patients should push for this change, as it can help in educating people with health information more effectively.

How can individuals manage the information they receive from the grapevine?

Individuals should verify the information they receive before spreading it on the grapevine. They should not believe things just because they sound true.

What is the potential return on investment for improving health literacy?

Research shows that for every $1 spent on health literacy, we can save $25, indicating a significant return on investment.

Why did John's experience with healthcare result in a diabetic coma?

John's experience resulted in a diabetic coma because he stopped taking his medication without consulting his doctor and did not return to a healthcare provider for a check-up for 10 years, despite being pre-diabetic.

What advice does the speaker give to patients regarding their healthcare?

The speaker advises patients to take control of their health, avoid gaps in care, find a healthcare provider that meets their expectations, and be persistent in getting the information they need to maintain their health.