Communication Theory
Fall 2013
Kristen Niarchos & Debra Mascott
Overview
Health Literacy:• National health initiative from US Dept.
Health & Human Services (The Healthy People 2020 Initiative) called “Ask Me Three”TM
• Improve communication between patients and physicians, nurses, clinicians, etc.
• Promote understanding, health safety and outcome
• Be a member of your own “health care team”
http://youtu.be/B3EB-icaNKQ
Discussion…
• Did the doctor’s message change after being asked one of the three questions?
• Do you think the presence of a family member was helpful to the conversation?
• What do you think are the reasons for limited healthcare literacy?
Communication
• Asking these three questions can ensure good fidelity, encoding and feedback between healthcare practitioners and patients
• Having a family member or other support person presence can help facilitate both comprehensive and critical listening
• Make the most of the typical healthcare channel and setting by taking notes to aid your recall of the conversation
Ask Me Three
1. What is my main problem?
2. What do I need to do?
3. Why is it important for me to do this?
