82% of Patients Report Unsatisfactory Education from their Primary Care Physician

What is the health literacy of patients with chronic kidney disease?

Generally, 9 out 10 adults lack the skills necessary to prevent disease or manage their health, but what about those with a chronic disease? A recent study published in the Australian Internal Medicine Journal aimed to determine patients’ understanding of chronic kidney disease when first presenting to a kidney specialist.

Two hundred and ten newly referred patients to a nephrology clinic were surveyed with open-ended questions about their understanding of CKD causes, symptoms and management. The average age of participants was 66.5 and 50.5% were female. 82% were referred by their primary care provider and 29% had previously seen a nephrologist. The results were:

• 16% of patients were unsure why they were referred
•  40% were unsure about what causes CKD
•  51% were unsure of how to manage CKD
• 82% reported unsatisfactory education from their primary care physician.

If you are struggling with ways to engage and educate your patients – mHealth Games wants to help!

Consider Fight Back, a short game to educate patients and caregivers on the basics chronic kidney disease.

Click on the picture below to play:

Fight Back

Chronic kidney disease does not have to prevent you from being a superhero! This quick training covers the basics of kidney disease and what you can do to fight back. Are you ready to join TEAM KIDNEY?

How are you educating your patients about breast cancer?

October is Breast Cancer awareness month, and we need your help! 

Engage - Educate and Empower your patients with this fun game. 

Healthy Breast Challenge

Learn the facts about prevention and early detection so you are prepared to become an active member of your health care team!

Click on the picture above to launch!

Playing for Prevention: Innovative Education for your Patients

It is estimated that 1 in 3 American adults have high blood pressure, and now face increased risks for chronic kidney disease, stroke, and heart attack/heart failure.

Given its severe impact on patient health, its high prevalence, and the low control rates (more than half of Americans with HBP do not have it under control), mHealth Games hopes to give a voice to this national health problem and improve the detection, awareness, prevention and treatment of hypertension and its consequences.

By supporting initiatives to improve patient outcomes, promote mobile engagement, and provide free education and services to patients and health care professionals, mHealth Games aims to advocate on behalf of all stakeholders with a focus on achieving fluency in the language of prevention.

This new game is an innovative twist on the standard "Hypertension Handout"

Mission Possible Identify and Eliminate High Blood Pressure

It is estimated that 1 in 3 Americans have high blood pressure, and 30% haven't even been diagnosed. This mission will prepare you to identify and eliminate hypertension. Do you accept?

If so, click the launch button below:

Launch Game

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