Health literacy and patient safety & role of advance practise nurse Term Paper

Health literacy and patient safety & role of advance practise nurse - Term Paper Example Studies have shown that patient friendly communication and an open attitude to answering questions are the best strategies for helping patients understand medical information, and caring for them more effectively. Health literacy is defined as â€Å"the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions† (Ratzan and Parker, 2000). The first step for an advanced practice nurse to measure levels of health literacy in a patient, is to overcome barriers of communication and create an open shame free environment. An attitude of helpfulness and understanding of his/her problems, and offering an environment of privacy to answer questions and discuss details of history, education and medications, will enhance understanding and a feeling of adequacy in patients. Having a family member present if the patient feels more comfortable, and willingness to answer any questions, even repetitive ones, help instill confidence. An advanced practice nurse needs to take patient backgrounds into account while communicating with them. Things like can they read the instructions on pill boxes or do they recognize them by color? are important indications of the level of health literacy in patients.