Supporting patient-provider communication at a community mobile clinic using the Ask Me Three © brochure
Date
2024
Authors
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Background: Limited health literacy (LHL) is linked to individuals facing significant social and economic disparities exacerbated by deficiencies in social determinants of health (SDOH) (i.e. limited income and education), resulting in challenges in communication with healthcare providers (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2021; Perez-Stable & El-Toukhy, 2018; Schillinger, 2021; Stormacq et al., 2018). LHL may manifest as reduced question-asking behavior during medical encounters, which is associated with decreased engagement, less information acquisition, and lower satisfaction with communication, ultimately hindering personal health management (Barton et al., 2020; Brach, 2024; Lord et al., 2021; Perez-stable & El-Toukhy, 2018; Rudd, 2022; Schillinger, 2021; Stormacq et al., 2018; Swiatoniowska-Lonc et al., 2020; Tracy et al., 2022; Winiger et al., 2018). This project aimed to enhance participant communication with the provider by introducing the Ask Me Three © (AM3) brochure developed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) (2007). ☐ Methods: This quality improvement project was launched following Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and implemented over a three-month period. Participants were recruited for voluntary inclusion from the H.E.A.L.T.H for All ® (H4A) community mobile program. Volunteers utilized the AM3 © brochure and completed three surveys: a Demographics Questionnaire, the All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale © (AAHLS), and the Ask Me Three © Satisfaction Questionnaire. The project evaluated the impact of the AM3 © brochure in enhancing participants' communication behaviors, information acquisition, and perception of partnership in healthcare encounters. ☐ Results/Findings: Thirty-eight individuals from six community sites participated in the project. Participants were primarily 51-65 years old, of Black or African American and White race, and had varying levels of education and income. The mean aggregate AAHLS © score (M=17.7; Range 7- lower health literacy skills to 21- higher health literacy skills) demonstrated that the population had adequate health literacy (HL) skills suggesting that participants did not exhibit the expected LHL associated with lower income and educational attainment as suggested by research. All participants who used the AM3 © brochure reported an enhanced sense of partnership with their provider, and 89% reported increased acquisition of health-related information. The use of the tool to pose three questions suggests improved communicative behavior. ☐ Conclusion: One accessible tool, the AM3 © brochure, may aid providers in improving patient communication by assisting patients to frame the conversation and summarize key discussion points to identify and understand the importance of their health concerns and determine actionable steps. Improved clarity on these aspects equips patients to better address their specific health needs.Keywords: Health literacy, ☐ Keywords: Ask Me Three ©, Mobile clinic, Patient-provider communication
Description
Keywords
Ask Me Three ©, Health literacy skills, Mobile clinic, Patient-provider communication, Limited health literacy, Social determinants of health