SOCW 5344: Discussion Post

Description

• First, summarize the “Northwell Health: Linking Health Literacy to Diversity and Inclusion” case study on Pg 25-28. Incorporate some of the language from the article to describe the different elements of the case study.
• Next, offer a brief critique of this case study. Based on the reading and your own assessment, what was done well? What could be done differently?
• Finally, offer some ideas for prevention or health promotion collaborative initiatives that could address the issue you have been exploring. Identify the potential partners or stakeholders this might involve.
• Comment on two other people’s ideas about possible initiatives that could address their selected issue, reflecting on the different incentives and priorities for the stakeholders involved. Please make sure to reply to posts in 150-200 words.

Other people’s posts to comment on.

Post 1

The Intermountain Heathcare: Pursuing Heath Literacy as a Prerequisite to Patient Engagement adopted a model of shared accountability, encouraging patients to take advantage of prevention and wellness programs, self-manage their conditions, and get more involved in decisions about their care. The HEHLE members developed and delivered engaging education for clinical staff, clients, and families to increase health literacy knowledge. They developed health literacy infographics and other health literacy content could be in presentations. They also created an eLearning module to make health literacy more concrete to employees. The module focused on integrating the teach-back method into daily workflow so patients can understand their treatment protocol. The program also promoted plain language so patients can understand medical terminology. The Intermountain pushed health literacy agenda by integrating health literacy into major system-wide initiative.

The study did a great job training the clinical staff on how to involve patients and families in their care which is important so the patient in really understand what is happening. The study also did a great job on emphasizing the importance of teach-back method and plain language to patients can understand what is being said to them. However, the study fails to flag for patients that are not health literate and what steps to take if the patients are not. For example, some patients may not understand their insurance plans and insurance options and the study does not address how to flag this so someone could inform them of their plans or options.

A questionnaire that the client takes during the visit could identify any confusion that the patient has and how health literate the patient is. Questions would include like insurance plans, social determinants of health, and barriers to care. If the system flags their responses, then a social worker could come and talk to them. The social worker could refer them to resources.

Post 2

Northwell Health, embarked on a journey toward becoming a health literate organization. It was largely driven by the passion of a nurse turned educator and her colleague. The creation of theOffice of Diversity, Inclusion, and Health Literacy (ODIHL) symbolized this shift, aligning health literacy with language access and cultural competency. The organization conducted a health literacy gaps analysis and implemented strategic changes, including training that combined health literacy with cultural and linguistic competence. ODIHL aligned health literacy with language access, ensuring that all patients received qualified medical interpreters, supported by updated to the electronic health record (EHR) system.

Northwell Health’s creation of ODIHL and the integration of health literacy with language access policies was effectively implemented. It aligns with the broader goal of patient centered care. The focus on qualified interpreters, EHR updated, and training for all staff highlights a commitment to improving effective communication diverse populations and the significant increase in interpreter use is a positive outcome. I did not see a way it could be done differently in my opinion. If there was a way to improve I think involving the frontline staff in the planning and feedback process to ensure that the policies are practical and intergraded into everyday operation.

A health promotion initiative to improve health literacy, language access, and cultural competency could involve community-based education programs that empower diverse patients to navigate the healthcare system. Partner that could help can include local health organizations, cultural advocacy groups, and or public libraries, which can collaborate with healthcare providers to create multilingual educational materials and workshops. Local governments and health departments could promote and fund these initiatives. Bringing these stakeholders together, the initiative would reduce barriers and help to improve overall health outcomes.