HEALTH LITERACY ASSESSMENT IN A PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC
Mary Abbott, DPT, Megan Beam, DPT, Amber Breski, DPT, Elizabeth Hearn, DPT, and Lora Packel,
MSPT, CCS
University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA
6449 Ventura Drive, Slatington, PA 18080
Background
Low health literacy levels are frequently associated with poor health outcomes.2 The majority of
the literature on health literacy is focused on medical clinics, but little is known about the impact of health
literacy in the rehab setting. The purpose of this capstone project was to utilize health literacy principles
to improve patient education materials in an outpatient physical therapy clinic.
Methods
Patient education handouts were collected from an outpatient physical therapy clinic. Reading
levels of the handouts were assessed using a SMOG analysis.5 The clinic signage was also evaluated to
determine if they were appropriate for individuals with low health literacy. Peer-reviewed literature on
health literacy was used to guide changes in patient education handouts including organization, use of
technical jargon, use of white space, and reading level.
Results
The reading level of the handouts ranged from 3rd to 16th grade with an average 9th grade reading
level. Many of the handouts used pictures supplemented by text to explain home exercise programs. The
majority of the handouts used a linear layout which decreases readability.
Evidenced-based recommendations were made to enhance patient handouts. These
recommendations included; use of a 6th grade reading level, elimination of abbreviations/jargon, increased
amount of supportive graphics, utilization of the teach-back method to enhance patient comprehension,
and use of a hierarchical layout to improve patient comprehension. Recommendations to improve
architectural signage included: using a hierarchical layout and limiting word count.
Discussion and Clinical Relevance
Low health literacy is associated with poor health outcomes. Improving the readability of patient
information in the rehabilitation setting may improve patient comprehension, compliance with the therapy
plan of care, and improve patient satisfaction. This capstone project was aimed at improving patient
handouts as a first step in addressing low health literacy of rehab patients. Future research should
investigate how low health literacy affects rehabilitation outcomes, as well as investigate techniques to
address literacy in rehabilitation settings.
mbeam@mail.usp.edu
Poster