Any Questions? Understanding the Functional Health Literacy in Patients Who Underwent Ureteroscopy

To correlate health literacy of patients undergoing ureteroscopy and identify gaps within current patient education practices in order to better tailor the preoperative experience.

Eighteen patients were retrospectively recruited to complete an in-depth semistructured interview and the Test of Functional Health Literacy for Adults (TOFHLA). All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then coded and analyzed using the grounded theory of analysis.

The average participant age was 56.2 ± 12.8years, and 10 (55.6%) identified as female. Education level ranged from some high school to a professional degree. The average TOFHLA score was 88.1 ± 11.7. Irrespective of score, all participants felt they understood the purpose and basic elements of a ureteroscopy. The use of nontechnical language, repetition, and previous healthcare experiences were identified as positive aspects of the education experience. However, 72.2% (n = 13) identified the primary gap in understanding revolved around the use, purpose, and pain associated with stents.

Functional health literacy is an essential element, but not the only factor informing patient education and comprehension. Current practices are effective in explaining the basics of a ureteroscopy, but even when identified health literacy is higher than expected, a gap remains in stent education. Efforts should be made to better understand how stents can be effectively explained to patients in addition to continuing to refine education practices to elicit true comprehension.