New tools for your patient portal from mHealth Games

Key research study findings on the relationship between health literacy and health outcomes:

http://www.health.gov/communication/literacy/quickguide/factsliteracy.htm

Use of preventive services

According to research studies, persons with limited health literacy skills are more likely to skip important preventive measures such as mammograms, Pap smears, and flu shots.¹ When compared to those with adequate health literacy skills, studies have shown that patients with limited health literacy skills enter the healthcare system when they are sicker.²

Knowledge about medical conditions and treatment

Persons with limited health literacy skills are more likely to have chronic conditions and are less able to manage them effectively. Studies have found that patients with high blood pressure,³ diabetes,^3-5 asthma,⁶ or HIV/AIDS^7-9who have limited health literacy skills have less knowledge of their illness and its management.

Rates of hospitalization

Limited health literacy skills are associated with an increase in preventable hospital visits and admissions.^10-13 Studies have demonstrated a higher rate of hospitalization and use of emergency services among patients with limited literacy skills.¹²

Health status

Studies demonstrate that persons with limited health literacy skills are significantly more likely than persons with adequate health literacy skills to report their health as poor.^10, 12 14

Healthcare costs

Persons with limited health literacy skills make greater use of services designed to treat complications of disease and less use of services designed to prevent complications.^1, 11-13 Studies demonstrate a higher rate of hospitalization and use of emergency services among patients with limited health literacy skills.^10-13 This higher use is associated with higher healthcare costs.^15 16,

Stigma and shame

Low health literacy may also have negative psychological effects. One study found that those with limited health literacy skills reported a sense of shame about their skill level.¹⁷ As a result, they may hide reading or vocabulary difficulties to maintain their dignity.¹⁸

Partner with mHealth Games to promote health literacy and begin improving health outcomes today!

• Patient Self Assessments - click the picture below to launch

• Chronic Disease Management - click the picture below to launch

• Teach Self Management Skills - click the picture below to launch