Lynn Farrales, is a family physician and completed the R3 Enhanced Skills in Global Health, a UBC Department of Family Medicine program. She has an interest in refugee health, international health, community-based development and social justice. Lynn recently launched a blog chronicling some of her activities related to health literacy. Her hope for this blog is “to generate some discussion among health providers and educators who have an interest in addressing health literacy.”
To follow her blog go to: www.practicalmedicine.ca
60% of Canadians lack skills necessary to manage their health
Eight months ago, I had a conversation with my spouse about some of the
challenges I continued to face as physician who cares for refugees. I felt like I had reached a plateau in my ability
to help some of my patients–many of whom lack literacy even in their first language.
After listening to me describe the stumbling blocks I encountered, he fired up his computer and brought me to a website featuring literacy tools. He is a teacher who teaches students life skills. Assessment and promotion of literacy are two of his major tasks.
A seed had been planted.
Over the next eight months, on my day off, I would set some time aside to complete a health literacy task. A task could be as simple as buying a white board or laminating an image.
I now have a health literacy box in my clinic room filled with practical tools for use at each patient encounter.
Recently, at the end of a clinic visit, a patient turned to me and said: “Thank you teacher.”
That was, and continues to be the best compliment I’ve had as a family physician.
Lynn Farrales, MSc, MD, CCFP
December 2010