This document, the HLE2, is an updated version of the "Health Literacy Environment of Hospitals and Health Centers" [see ED508596]. The original workbook and assessment tool has been widely used in the U.S. and has been translated and adapted for different health systems in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. This revision, HLE2 (The…

The "Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients" provide psychologists with (a) a frame of reference for the treatment of lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients and (b) basic information and further references in the areas of assessment, intervention, identity, relationships, diversity, education, training, and…

Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIPs) are developed by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Each TIP involves the development of topic-specific best-practice guidelines for the prevention and…

Chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) is common in the general population as well as in people who have a substance use disorder (SUD) (Exhibit 1-1). Chronic pain is not harmless; it has physiological, social, and psychological dimensions that can seriously harm health, functioning, and well-being. As a multidimensional condition with both objective and…

Concrete, objective information that describes the experience from the patient's point of view in unambiguous terms is effective in reducing negative emotional response during threatening health care procedures. A four-stage process that permits systematic development of comprehensive and accurate messages using concrete objective information is…

Describes a reading recognition test called Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) that is designed to identify low literacy levels in patients. Notes that information thus obtained is useful in directing patient-physician communications and in promoting patient understanding of commonly used oral and written medical information. (SR)

This workshop, written in both English and Spanish, focuses on improving communication between physician and patient. In the workshop, the trainers will talk about "building bridges" between patient and doctor by understanding the doctor's role and his/her duty to the patient. According to the workshop, a person's doctor should…

This consumer education document is intended to provide a complete description of Medicare's Prospective Payment System (PPS) for hospitals from the consumer's point of view and to provide basic information on how consumers can protect their rights to appropriate hospital care under Medicare. The first section describes the PPS and also explains…

A patient interaction course designed to provide an introductory experience to the gross anatomy laboratory and to the interview and physical examination settings is described. The patient interaction course is composed of a series of four experiences: anatomy laboratory sessions, interviews, physical examinations, and small group discussions.…

The "health literacy environment" of a healthcare facility represents the expectations, preferences, and skills of those providing health information and services. Some of these demands are in the form of physical aspects of the hospital or health center, such as signs and postings. At the same time, access to and navigation of health…

This guide presents materials to improve understanding and communication between health care practitioners and patients or between teachers and learners. It contains descriptions of health education materials addressing issues of culture and low-literacy and has information written in languages other than English. It includes materials not found…

Identifies the criteria for legally safe programs. Lists ways to assess the status of one's own program relative to those criteria and discusses strategies to improve the organization's performance. (Author/BH)

Asserts that people with type 1 diabetes should include regular sports or recreational activities in their overall health care programs, noting that physicians must provide preparticipation clearance, education about blood glucose self-monitoring, exercise prescription, aggressive dietary and insulin management plans, identification of risk…

Research has not yet identified the best combination of estrogen replacement, calcium, and exercise for fighting osteoporosis, but clinical experience indicates all are needed to prevent the rapid bone loss that occurs in postmenopausal women. Physicians must encourage women to reduce their risk using all available options. (SM)

Treatment guidelines are presented for rehabilitation personnel who work in the area of sexual dysfunction with the physically disabled. A step-by-step discussion of the intervention strategies that may be employed by rehabilitation staff who deal with sexual problems in disabled patients is presented. (Author/SEW)