AMA to Daily Herald: Increase health literacy

Daily Herald

To the editor:

In addition to the valid reasons highlighted in your article for patient non-adherence to medications, (Meds can do good, if you take them, 2/25), many patients have trouble understanding health information. Studies show that people of all ages, races, income and education levels find understanding health information challenging – especially if they just learned upsetting news about their health.

To help patients better understand their medical treatment plan, the American Medical Association suggests patients write down any questions or concerns prior to seeing a physician, and jot down the answers so they can be referred to when needed. Take a trusted friend or family member to appointments so more than one person understands the treatment plan. Bring a list of all current medications and discuss any side effects experienced, or questions about dosage with the physician. The local pharmacist is another good resource for medication information. Physicians can do a better job too, by using easier to understand medical terms like high blood pressure instead of hypertension.

The bottom line is when patients understand the treatment plan, chances are much better that they will adhere to it and get well. That is an outcome we all strive for.

Sincerely,

Edward L. Langston, MD
Board Chair, American Medical Association