a death sentence. Although you
National Patient Safety Foundation
cannot anticipate every generational
268 Summer Street, 6th Floor
difference in language use, being
Boston, MA 02210
1-617-391-9900
aware of the possibility may help you
www.npsf.org/askme3
to communicate more clearly. Use
This national coalition addresses issues
simple, common language, and ask if
related to low health literacy and its effect
clarifi cation is needed. Offer to repeat
on outcomes. Its “Ask Me 3” campaign has
or reword the information: “I know this
materials for physicians’ offi ces, including
is complex; I’ll do my best to explain, but
patient handouts, to promote good
communication.
let me know if you have any questions or
just want me to go over it again.”
understanding older patients 11
Low literacy or inability to read also may be a problem. Reading materials written at an easy reading level may help.