Hi Fran:
I thought your problem memo was very well researched, documented and organized in terms of the flow of information. Working for a health care organization, I have a bit of insight into health care literacy and know it is a real problem that needs addressing.
To begin, I think you did a good job in defining the problem, many of its causes and effects, with a good use of statistics evidencing the extent of the issue well beyond socio-economic backgrounds and general literacy levels. I like the fact that you mentioned how some providers do not use “lay” language, and that patients not asking questions for fear of embarrassment at seeming stupid, a real issue I think more so with minorities and the elderly. Your arguments were convincing as to the far-reaching effects, but I think you could have taken it further (personalized it even) by speaking to the possible impact of health literacy on already vulnerable populations such as children, who are dependent on the health literacy of their parents and caregivers.
The majority of the memo spoke to the problem on a national level, and I think you could have honed in on the problem as it relates to NYC much earlier. Also, I would have liked to see more of specifically what you would like the recipient to do.
However, I think this was a well-informed, easily read problem memo on a legitimate problem that can be addressed. Good job!
Fran, I thought your piece was very informative and relatable. I also think it is important to have health literacy, especially in New York where we have people from all over the world. Not everyone speaks English and therefore understanding even plain medical terms is hard for them to decipher. Your research shows that even people who speak English have a difficult time understanding what their doctor is discussing with them or even reading their prescription bottle.
I like the research you found because it allows us to see that there is an inherent issue that needs to be prioritized. We have a problem and therefore we need to find solutions because if we don’t then we will be jeopardizing someone’s health, which should be the utmost important thing in someone’s life.
Your memo reminded me of personal experiences I have with health literacy. I live in front of two hospitals (Bellevue and NYU) and often assist relatives to the hospital because they don’t speak English. Some speak very little English but have no idea how to navigate through the hospital. Some don’t know how to explain their health concern because it is called something else in their language.
I like the solutions you posed because it is necessary to have health literacy classes around the city because it will change people’s lives. It will boost their confidence and they will no longer feel embarrassed to discuss their health concern. They will learn to read their prescriptions which is important because you want to know what you are consuming and how it will impact you.
Hi Fran:
I thought your problem memo was very well researched, documented and organized in terms of the flow of information. Working for a health care organization, I have a bit of insight into health care literacy and know it is a real problem that needs addressing.
To begin, I think you did a good job in defining the problem, many of its causes and effects, with a good use of statistics evidencing the extent of the issue well beyond socio-economic backgrounds and general literacy levels. I like the fact that you mentioned how some providers do not use “lay” language, and that patients not asking questions for fear of embarrassment at seeming stupid, a real issue I think more so with minorities and the elderly. Your arguments were convincing as to the far-reaching effects, but I think you could have taken it further (personalized it even) by speaking to the possible impact of health literacy on already vulnerable populations such as children, who are dependent on the health literacy of their parents and caregivers.
The majority of the memo spoke to the problem on a national level, and I think you could have honed in on the problem as it relates to NYC much earlier. Also, I would have liked to see more of specifically what you would like the recipient to do.
However, I think this was a well-informed, easily read problem memo on a legitimate problem that can be addressed. Good job!
Fran, I thought your piece was very informative and relatable. I also think it is important to have health literacy, especially in New York where we have people from all over the world. Not everyone speaks English and therefore understanding even plain medical terms is hard for them to decipher. Your research shows that even people who speak English have a difficult time understanding what their doctor is discussing with them or even reading their prescription bottle.
I like the research you found because it allows us to see that there is an inherent issue that needs to be prioritized. We have a problem and therefore we need to find solutions because if we don’t then we will be jeopardizing someone’s health, which should be the utmost important thing in someone’s life.
Your memo reminded me of personal experiences I have with health literacy. I live in front of two hospitals (Bellevue and NYU) and often assist relatives to the hospital because they don’t speak English. Some speak very little English but have no idea how to navigate through the hospital. Some don’t know how to explain their health concern because it is called something else in their language.
I like the solutions you posed because it is necessary to have health literacy classes around the city because it will change people’s lives. It will boost their confidence and they will no longer feel embarrassed to discuss their health concern. They will learn to read their prescriptions which is important because you want to know what you are consuming and how it will impact you.