07 | 25 | 2007 Posted By Regan Zambri & Long

Health Literacy Levels Predict Length of Life: New Study

Seniors who can't understand medical information are significantly more likely to die at a younger age than their health-literate peers, according to a new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.  Researchers say the inability to understand medical information typically leads to difficulties in the management of chronic conditions, and ultimately to declining health.  About one-quarter of the 3,000 subjects in the study were found to be medically illiterate, and of that quarter, 40% died before the study ended.  The difference in death rates was higher than even researchers had anticipated. 

Approximately 90 million Americans have difficulty understanding medical information, but seniors face some of the greatest challenges because their health problems tend to be chronic, and as a group, they take the most medication.  The researchers recommend that health care providers ask patients, at the end of a visit, to summarize what they've just been told about their health.  Eliminating medical jargon when visiting with patients and explaining things both verbally and in writing is also beneficial, they advise. 

Previously on the D.C. Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to: 
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