Improving the Health Literacy of Patients: A Qualitative Survey of Student Pharmacists

Background Patients interacting with the multiple moving parts of the healthcare system may not fully understand all the information provided to them. They find themselves misinformed or unaware of certain facts pertaining to their health. Community pharmacists, who are readily accessible, are occupationally situated in such a way that makes them the most ideal candidates to impact and improve patients' health literacy. Aims and objectives The aim of this research is to identify and examine how pharmacists can aid their patients and help them toward adequate health literacy. Methods First-year pharmacy candidates enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at Temple University School of Pharmacy were given an optional, essay-based assignment titled, "How can pharmacists improve the health literacy of the patients they serve?" Students were given one week to respond to the prompt, and those who completed the assignment were awarded bonus points toward the final examination. Of the 145 students given the potential to complete the assignment, only 100 students participated in the assignment. These essays were subsequently read, categorized, and analyzed. Results The essays were categorized into six main perspectives: educating patients, using simple language, providing resources, creating a trusting patient-pharmacist relationship, sending medication reminders, and providing translation services. More than 30% of the student responses emphasized that educating patients about their medication side effects and disease states will help them better understand their medical needs. About another 30% of the students suggested that using simple, everyday language and providing translators, when necessary, will help patients deal with their health problems. The remaining suggested either creating a safe relationship with patients, providing reliable resources such as pamphlets and visual aids, or sending patient-specific reminders. Conclusion Although these suggestions are not new to the world of pharmacy and have been around before, the difficulty lies in practical application in a world that seems busier now than ever before. However, within the six student perspective response categories, most can be incorporated into one patient interaction. By creating a trusting relationship with the patient and counseling them while using simple language and translators, if necessary, teaching them about their medications, and providing the necessary outside resources, pharmacists can improve the health literacy of their patients.