title: Feasibility of an intervention to enhance preventive care for people with low health literacy in primary health care.
abstract: The objective of the study was to explore the feasibility of an intervention that enhances preventive care for primary care patients with low health literacy. A mixed method study was conducted in four Sydney general practices in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage. The intervention included screening for low health literacy in patients aged 40-69 years, clinical record audits of care for prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and provider training and meetings. Surveys and interviews were conducted to identify providers' approaches to, and delivery of, preventive care for people with low health literacy. Our study found variable response rates and prevalence of low health literacy. Of the eligible patients screened, 29% had low health literacy. Providers described three approaches to preventive care, which remained largely unchanged. However, they demonstrated recognition of the importance of better communication and referral support for patients with low health literacy. Fewer patients with low health literacy were identified than expected. Despite improved awareness of the need for better communication, there was limited evidence of change in providers' approach to providing preventive care, suggesting a need for more attention towards providers' attitudes to support these patients.
authors.forename: Nighat
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Faruqi
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.forename: Raghib
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.forename: Lin-Lee
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Yeong
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D054869:Clinical Audit; D003142:Communication; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice; D057220:Health Literacy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011204:Poverty Areas; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011314:Preventive Health Services; D011320:Primary Health Care