Another Important Vital Sign: Health Literacy and Patient Education in the Pancreatitis Center at Boston Children’s Hospital

Health literacy is a fundamental component of today’s healthcare system and self-managed healthcare. Health literacy should be considered another important vital sign and is imperative to improving adherence and patient outcomes. Assessing and improving health literacy of clinicians, patients, and caregivers in the Pancreatitis Center at a major children’s hospital is a steppingstone to improve the health literacy across the organization. Surveys using a 5-point Likert scale along with free text were conducted to assess the clinician’s and patient and/or caregiver’s health literacy. Patients and caregivers were asked their preferred ways of learning. An education sheet about pancreatitis was developed for patients and caregivers. The focus-analyze-develop-execute cycle was utilized. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results were further examined by the research team to improve the educational materials needed for patients and caregivers. The education sheet had a 70% satisfaction rate by caregivers. While mildly effective, patients and caregivers prefer materials with more in-depth explanation, support groups, and youth friendly materials. Educating clinicians on the health literacy of their patients will impact patient education and satisfaction. Improving health literacy in one clinic can be replicated across ambulatory clinics globally.