Evaluating Health Literacy in Older Adults at a Geriatric Clinic and Comparing Estimates by Patients, Caregivers, and Healthcare Team

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating health literacy among older adults attending a geriatric clinic. The study focuses on how well doctors and their team estimate their patients health literacy compared to patients own assessments using a simple questionnaire. Caregivers views on patients health literacy are also being evaluated. Understanding health literacy is important because limited health literacy is linked to worse health outcomes such as higher mortality and more hospital visits, especially in older adults with memory problems and multiple illnesses. Participants include both new and returning patients at a geriatric clinic, along with their caregivers if the patient is unable to participate. The study collects assessments of health literacy from patients, caregivers, and the geriatric team at the time of enrollment. The research team will follow up with participants by telephone six months after the clinic visit to check for any health concerns, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, long-term care admissions, or mortality. During the study, participants will complete health literacy questionnaires and quality of life assessments. Researchers will track medication adherence, care planning, falls, and code status discussions. The main outcome is the agreement between perceived and measured health literacy. Secondary outcomes include health events and care decisions over six months. The study aims to provide insights into how health literacy assessments relate to patient outcomes and care strategies in older adults.

Health Literacy in Geriatric Patients