A population perspective necessitates knowledge of population needs, of the impact of social and community influences on individuals and of the cultural perspective of illness. A physician s role should not be limited to treating illness but should include measures to prevent illness. Providers should be encouraged to screen for illiteracy, adjust treatment methods for illiterate patients and offer patients resources to improve reading skills. Training in risk assessment, risk behavior change, counseling and other educational functions can be added to the medical curriculum. Health centers should implement appropriate health education activities and health promotion interventions.
Research is needed to determine the best ways to communicate with illiterate patients.
Current efforts focus on revising written educational materials. While simpler materials may increase appeal and satisfaction, individuals who have very limited literacy may not understand them. It might be better to communicate medical information through visual aids, videotapes, and multimedia techniques. Researchers and providers need to involve patients the real experts on health literacy in developing and testing interventions to enhance communication and patient education. On the readability of surgical consent forms.