VA celebrates Health Literacy month

At VA, our goal is to make sure Veterans and their caregivers can easily find, understand and use our information and services. Every day, VA staff work to help Veterans understand what VA has to offer. We make this a priority to ensure that you can make informed decisions for your best health. The concept known as “health literacy” helps us achieve this goal.

Health literacy, as defined by the Department of Health and Human Services, has two major components.

• Personal health literacy refers to people like you who access health information and services. How easily you can find, understand and use those resources determines your personal health literacy.

• Organizational health literacy refers to health care organizations like VA. How well an organization empowers people to find, understand and use information and services determines its organizational health literacy.

VA recognizes our responsibility to ensure organizational health literacy. When we make it easier to understand our information and services, you’re better equipped to make decisions and get the most out of your care.

“The best kind of dialogue between patient and provider.”

“Health literacy is foundational to the best kind of dialogue between patient and provider. It empowers Veterans to take charge of their own health.” Dr. Carolyn Clancy,  assistant under secretary for Health for Discovery, Education, and Affiliate Networks.

One of the best ways to ensure a better experience is to prepare for your next visit with your health care provider:

• Prepare questions before your appointment.
• Talk with your provider about any questions or concerns you may have.
• Take notes during the visit.
• Bring a friend or family member for support and shared understanding.

You can learn more by speaking with your provider or by reviewing VA’s online resources, listed below:

• Preparing for a Visit with Your Healthcare Provider | Veterans Affairs (va.gov) – This resource on the Veterans Health Library contains helpful tips to get the most out of your healthcare.
• AHRQ QuestionBuilder | VA Mobile – his app helps you prepare for your next visit by suggesting questions you might ask or be asked by your provider.
• “Ask Me Three ®” (youtube.com) – Ask Me 3® refers to three main questions that can help you focus your concerns at your next visit: What’s the main problem? What do I need to do? Why is it important for me to do this?
• Be Involved in Your Health Care – National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (va.gov) – This page from VA’s National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention helps you take an active role in your health care.
• VA Resource Navigator – This tool helps Veterans better find and use VA resources. The Navigator can help you find the resources you need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.