Development of a health literacy resource for case managers: optimizing the successful transition from hospital to home

Browne, Joanne M. (2020) Development of a health literacy resource for case managers: optimizing the successful transition from hospital to home. Practicum Report. Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (4MB)

Abstract

Background: Health literacy is a determinant of health that plays a significant role in how patients are able to obtain, process and act upon personal health information. When health care providers determine patients’ level of health literacy, they are able to develop discharge instructions focused on patients’ level of comprehension and their ability to manage their health care needs at home. Case managers with the Home and Community Care division of the South East Local Health Integration Network (South East LHIN) represent the health professionals who are responsible for discharge planning and transitions from hospital to home at the Lennox and Addington County General Hospital (LACGH) in Napanee, Ontario (ON). Assessing patients’ level of health literacy is currently not part of the discharge planning process and does not consider patients’ level of understanding prior to discharge. Purpose: The purpose of this practicum project was to develop a health literacy resource for case managers who work with the Home and Community Care division of the South East Local Health Integration Network (South East LHIN). Methods: An integrative literature review was completed related to health literacy and highlighted the vital role it plays in discharge planning. A review of health literacy assessment tools was performed and resulted in the selection of two validated methods for assessing health literacy. Consultations were completed with case managers, and the hospital discharge planner to glean information regarding their understanding of health literacy, the role it plays in discharge planning, and what they believe should be contained in the resource manual to support the assessment of patients’ health literacy. Results: Consultations demonstrated participants have little knowledge surrounding health literacy, the significance of knowing patients’ level of health literacy, and how it influences patients’ discharge. A self-learning health literacy resource was developed and contains health literacy education and health literacy assessment tools. Conclusion: This health literacy resource may be used to increase South East LHIN case managers’ knowledge through education and assessment tools. Providing health literacy knowledge needed to assess patients’ health literacy will allow for case managers to provide discharge plans specific to patients’ level of understanding.

Actions (login required)

View Item