Project Summary:
Health literacy significantly impacts patient outcomes, yet 36% of U.S. adults have only basic or below basic health literacy skills, and patients typically understand and retain just half of what is discussed during clinical encounters. In Wisconsin, these challenges contribute to significant health disparities, with the state receiving poor grades for health outcomes when adjusted for rural/urban, racial/ethnic, and educational differences. Despite the critical nature of patient comprehension, healthcare providers often overestimate patients' understanding of health information, creating a dangerous gap in care delivery.
The Wisconsin Medical Society and Wisconsin Health Literacy will implement a Performance Improvement Continuing Medical Education (PI-CME) program within one health system to enhance physician communication skills. The initiative includes a three-stage process: baseline assessment, implementation of evidence-based communication, live training sessions, and post-intervention evaluation.
This project aims to create a sustainable model for improving healthcare communication that can be expanded throughout Wisconsin's healthcare systems. Through careful evaluation and accreditation, the program will develop curriculum materials and assessment tools that can be implemented state-wide, leveraging the Wisconsin Medical Society's network of over 10,000 physician members and 165 physician practices. Researchers seek to improve health equity in our state by improving providers' ability to communicate effectively with patients of diverse backgrounds and literacy levels.
Community Partner: Wisconsin Literacy, Inc.
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AHW Awards $3.9 Million for 66 Health Improvement Projects