Introduction

Last week, we discussed the idea of health literacy by defining this idea, identifying some of its elements, and describing how limited health literacy affects everyday people. This week, we will discuss communication techniques to address limited health literacy. They are:

1. Ask me three. A communication technique applied during a clinical visit.
2. Teach-back method. A communication technique applied during a clinical visit.
3. Plain language. An international movement to make technical language more understandable.
4. The Bigger Picture. An arts-based health communication intervention using poetry, film, and music.

Assignment

Step 1. Add a new discussion in which you select ONE technique that addresses limited health literacy.

1. Select one of the above techniques. In your own words, describe the technique.
   1. What does it consist of?
   2. How does it work?
   3. How would you describe the technique to someone who has never heard of it before?
2. Explain how the technique uses communication to address limited health literacy. While the relationship between communication and the technique may seem obvious, each technique is complex to implement. Draw on your knowledge of the communication process to think carefully about the multiple relationships among communication, situation, and audience are targeted.
3. Identify one strength and one weakness the technique may have.

Keep your response to the above three points between 300-350 words. Complete Step 1 no later than Sunday, May 15 by 11:55 PM.

Step 2. Read at least ONE other scholar’s original discussions. In your responses, look for connections between your own and others observations. Following are some questions to think about when replying to other scholars’ original posts:

• Do you agree with your fellow scholars’ descriptions of the techniques? What is similar and different from your own?
• What aspects of communication do other scholars identify? Use your knowledge to evaluate their claims and reflect on the similarities and differences to your own.
• What surprises you about other scholars’ identifications of strengths and weaknesses?
• What other techniques might be used to address limited health literacy?