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National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

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Patient Centered Learning

Patient Centered Learning

 

Welcome to Patient Centered Learning

This national program is supported by VA's National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. We focus on accelerating adoption of health literacy strategies in VA. This helps ensure VA provides information and education that is:

  • Accurate,
  • Accessible,
  • Actionable, and
  • Easy to understand.

Health Literacy

Health literacy matters at VA

Health literacy means being able to get, understand, and use health information, which helps you make decisions about your care.

When you fully understand your medical information, you're better equipped to take care of your health and well-being. This means you can follow instructions easily, take medicines correctly, and know when to ask for more information.

Here are five ways you can get the most out of your health care visit:

1. Ask Questions and Take Notes: Always ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. It’s important to know what your diagnosis means and how your treatment will work. Make a list of questions before your appointment, take notes during your visit, and bring a support person for shared understanding.

2. Use the AHRQ Question Builder in the VA App Store: This app helps you prepare for medical visits by suggesting questions you might ask or be asked by your provider.

3. Tell Your Provider What Matters Most to You: Share your priorities and any concerns, this helps your care team understand your needs and customize care that fits your life.

4. Repeat Back Information: To make sure you’ve understood correctly, explain what you heard in your own words. This way, any misunderstandings can be corrected right away.

5. Use Reliable Sources: When looking up information, use trusted websites or materials recommended by your health care provider. The Veterans Health Library is a VA trusted source for health information.

Easily accessing and understanding the health information shared with you is important. Let your health care team know if you would like to review your treatment plan again before you leave the appointment. If they provide online resources, speak up if you don’t have a computer or easy internet access.

Watch the video above to learn how to get the information you want at your visit. Ask Me 3® refers to these questions: What’s the main problem? What do I need to do? Why is it important for me to do this? Learn more on this topic from VA’s Healthy Living Message: Be Involved in Your Healthcare

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