Written by Brian C. Moon - November 6, 2024
The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) recently hosted a panel discussion titled "CEI Perspectives: Building Health Literacy in Rural Underserved Communities," which focused on the challenges and solutions involved in improving health literacy among rural populations. Moderated by Claudia M. Hardy, MPA, Instructor in the Division of Hematology Oncology at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and Director of Community and Research Relations at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, the event featured insights from Joy P. Deupree, PhD, MSN, CRNP, WHNP-BC, FAAN, Director of Health Policy Partnerships in the Office of Clinical and Global Partnerships and Professor in the UAB School of Nursing, and Rebecca A. Reamey, PhD, Director of the Alabama Statewide AHEC System and Assistant Professor in the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine. Together, they discussed the critical role of health literacy in enhancing healthcare access and outcomes for residents in underserved rural areas.Panel Discussion Highlights
The panel explored the intersection of health literacy and healthcare access, specifically addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities. Panelists highlighted how geographic isolation, limited access to healthcare facilities, and socioeconomic factors contribute to lower health literacy levels and poorer health outcomes in these areas. Key points included:- Addressing Geographic and Resource Barriers: Panelists emphasized the importance of localized health literacy initiatives tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by rural communities. Practical solutions, such as mobile health units and local community partnerships, were discussed as effective ways to increase access to information and healthcare services.
- Enhancing Provider-Patient Communication: The panel underscored the necessity for healthcare providers to use clear, accessible language and culturally appropriate materials to communicate effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds, thereby improving understanding and adherence to care recommendations.
- Collaborative Community Engagement: Recognizing that effective health literacy strategies require a collaborative approach, panelists encouraged partnerships between healthcare providers, local organizations, and community leaders to create sustainable, community-driven health education programs.
Call to Action: Steps We Can Take Now
Reflecting on the insights shared during the event, attendees are encouraged to take actionable steps to improve health literacy in rural communities:- Healthcare Providers: Use plain language and visual aids when communicating with patients, particularly those from rural and underserved backgrounds, to ensure comprehension and effective health management.
- Community Organizations: Collaborate with local healthcare facilities to develop accessible health education materials and host informational sessions tailored to address the specific needs of rural populations.
- Policy Advocates and Public Health Officials: Advocate for policies that fund and support health literacy programs in rural areas, including mobile health services and community health workers who can bridge the gap between healthcare providers and rural residents.
- Community Members: Engage with local health initiatives and become active participants in health education programs, sharing resources within your networks to foster a more informed community. Community leaders are encouraged to promote patient self-advocacy, empowering individuals to ask questions about their treatment plans and healthcare instructions to ensure they fully understand and feel confident in managing their health.