Child’s Name: / DOB: / Date:
Checklist for Patient Understanding (American Medical Association)
At the end of each office visit, a patient should be able to answer the following questions.
What is my main problem?
What do I need to do (about the problem)?
Why is it important for me to do this? (Ask Me Three)
Where do I go for tests, medicine, and appointments?
How should I take my medicine?
When do I take it?
How do I know if it is working?
Whom and when do I call if I have questions?
Other instructions
What to do?
How to do it?
When to do it?
Next steps
When do I need to be seen again?
Do I have another appointment? If so, what is the date and time of the appointment?
Are there phone numbers to call?
Medication Review (American Medical Association)
Another suggested method for identifying patients who have limited health literacy skills is the “brownbag medication review.” At the time an appointment is made, ask the patient to bring in all medications (prescription and over-the-counter medications, nutritional and herbal supplements, etc). When the patient comes to the office, the clinician or medical assistant can conduct the medication review by asking the patient to name each medication and explain what it is for and how it is taken.
Teach Back Technique (American Medical Association)
(when prescribing medication)
I want you to explain to me how you will take your medication so I can be sure I explained everything correctly.
MD
American Medical Association’s health literacy program which includes a video and manual for clinicians:
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/about-ama/ama-foundation/our-programs/public-health/health-literacy-program/health-literacy-kit.page