Teaching medical students about health literacy: 2 Chicago initiatives.
OBJECTIVE
To develop medical students' skills in interacting with individuals who have limited health literacy.


METHODS
Described are 2 novel approaches to health literacy curriculum design. Efforts at both schools have been implemented to improve medical student awareness of health literacy, as well as specific skills in clear communication and strategies that ensure patient understanding.


RESULTS
Preliminary data from one school suggest an increase in use of health literacy behaviors. Curriculum development at both schools is ongoing.


CONCLUSIONS
The ultimate goal of these curricula is for students to develop the core skills necessary for effective communication with all patients.
Harper
William
W
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. wrharper@uchicago.edu
Cook
Sandy
S
Makoul
Gregory
G
D004522:Educational Status; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013337:Students, Medical; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D014495:Universities