- Adopt attitude of helpfulness by every person there
- Offer help in privacy of exam room
- Be alert to clues as incomplete forms, social history information, insights from reviewing their medications with them
- Avoid bias - be sensitive to different culture/ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, physical appearances, etc
- Improve communication skills
- Speak slowly with little or no jargon
- Use open ended questions
- Read nonverbal clues
- Convey most important concepts (2 or 3)
- Involve family members
- Use teach back method, have them restate what was told
From Health Literacy: Hidden Barriers and Practical Strategies (AHRQ)
Eight Ways to Improve Patient Communications (Physicians Practice)
