Health Literacy Policy

Dynamic Therapy is committed to promoting health literacy and ensuring effective communication with its clients. Clinicians will foster the client’s understanding of the health information through adherence to the following policy objectives outlined below. This will empower clients to make informed decisions regarding their therapy outcomes and goals.

Policy Objectives:

Improve Health Communication:

• Provide clear, concise, and culturally appropriate information to clients regarding their therapy services, treatment plans, and relevant health topics.
• Use plain language and avoid jargon or technical terms that may be difficult for clients to understand.
• Utilize visual aids, videos, or other appropriate mediums to supplement written or verbal information, ensuring accessibility for diverse populations.
• Encourage active engagement and participation of clients in their therapy by seeking their input and addressing their questions and concerns.

Client Education and Empowerment:

• Offer educational resources, including written materials, online tools, and multimedia content, to support clients’ understanding of concepts, techniques, and strategies.
• Provide guidance on self-care practices, home exercises, and strategies for incorporating therapy techniques into daily activities.
• Foster a collaborative relationship with clients, empowering them to take an active role in their therapy journey and decision-making process.
• Encourage clients to ask questions, seek clarification, and provide feedback on their therapy experience.

Cultural Competence and Language Access:

• Recognize and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds, values, and beliefs of clients, adapting communication strategies accordingly.
• Offer translation services or access to interpreters for clients who have limited English proficiency or communicate in languages other than English.
• Provide culturally sensitive materials and resources that cater to the needs of various cultural groups, ensuring inclusivity and understanding.

Staff Training and Development:

• Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for therapists and staff to enhance their health literacy skills and cultural competency.
• Equip therapists with effective communication strategies and resources to facilitate client understanding and engagement.
• Encourage staff members to continually assess and improve their own health communication practices.

Continuous Improvement:

• Regularly evaluate and assess the effectiveness of health literacy initiatives and communication strategies, seeking client feedback and incorporating suggestions for improvement.
• Stay informed about best practices and emerging research in health literacy, incorporating relevant updates into the organization’s policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with industry organizations and professional networks to share knowledge and promote health literacy awareness.

Implementation and Review:

This policy will be communicated to all staff members, and their adherence to the policy’s guidelines will be expected. Regular audits and reviews will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the policy and identify areas for improvement. The policy will be updated as needed to align with emerging best practices and evolving client needs.

Approved by:

Darius Thomas, M.S., CCC-SLP

Date:

6-22-23

Additional Information

Health literacy refers to an individual’s ability to obtain, understand, and use health information and services to make informed decisions about their health. A person who is health literate has the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the healthcare system, understand health-related information, and effectively communicate with healthcare providers.

Health literacy involves several components, including:

• Reading and Comprehension: The ability to read and understand health-related materials, such as medical instructions, labels, and health education materials.
• Numeracy: The ability to understand and use numbers and basic mathematical concepts related to health, such as understanding medication dosages or interpreting health statistics.
• Critical Thinking: The ability to evaluate and analyze health information, assess the reliability and credibility of sources, and make informed decisions based on that information.
• Communication: The ability to communicate effectively with healthcare providers, ask questions, and express concerns or preferences regarding one’s health.
• Navigation of the Healthcare System: The ability to find and access appropriate healthcare services, understand health insurance coverage, and navigate through the complexities of the healthcare system.

What does poor health literacy mean?

Low health literacy has been associated with nonadherence to treatment plans and medical regimens, poor client self-care, high health-care costs, and increased risk of hospitalization and mortality.