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Radiocast: Health Literacy Limited for Many
Americans
Rand: This is Healthcare 411, information for better health. The latest
AHRQ data shows just 12 percent of America’s adults have the skills to
understand and evaluate information about their health and health care options
so they can make good decisions. Experts like AHRQ Director Dr. Carolyn Clancy
say people with limited health literacy may not get good results from their
health care and that could increase their risks for medical errors.
Dr. Clancy: Typically, we see more limited health literacy among older
adults, minorities, immigrants, poor families, and people with chronic mental
and physical conditions. Anyone can have difficulty with complex health
information.
Rand: So what can patients do to make sure they get the most out of their
care?
Dr. Clancy: Ask questions! Then, make sure you get and understand the
answers you need so that you fully understand your health information.
Rand: To learn more about this and dozens of other health topics, go to
healthcare411.ahrq.gov. Healthcare
411 is produced by AHRQ, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Rand Gardner for
Healthcare 411.
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