Evaluating health literacy in older patients
A Comparison of Health Literacy Estimates Among Patients, Caregivers and a Geriatric Team
This study is trying to see how well older patients understand health information compared to what their doctors think, to improve communication and care for those with multiple health issues.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 110 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06971393 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study assesses the health literacy of geriatric patients attending St. Peter's Hospital Geriatric Clinic. It aims to compare healthcare providers' estimates of their patients' health literacy with actual measurements obtained through a brief health literacy questionnaire. The study highlights the importance of understanding health literacy in older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairments and multiple health conditions, to improve communication and care strategies. By identifying discrepancies between provider perceptions and patient realities, the study seeks to enhance patient outcomes in a tertiary care setting.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults attending the geriatric clinic who are willing to participate and can provide consent, either directly or through a caregiver.
Not a fit: Patients with acute or terminal illnesses, or those exhibiting behavioral symptoms that may be aggravated by additional questioning, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved communication and healthcare outcomes for older adults by tailoring care strategies to their actual health literacy levels.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous studies have indicated that understanding and addressing health literacy can significantly impact patient outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients (both new and follow up) attending St. Peter's Hospital Geriatric Clinic * Willingness to participate in the study (caregiver can rate HL for patient if patient unable to) * Consenting to study (by patient or caregiver) Exclusion Criteria: * Behavior (e.g. behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia) which may be aggravated by additional questions * Acute illness preventing participation * Terminal illness that would prevent 6-month telephone follow up * Previous participation in this study
Where this trial is running
Hamilton, Ontario
- St. Peter's Geriatric Clinic — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christopher Patterson, Professor of Medicine
- Email: pattec4@mcmaster.ca
- Phone: (905) 521-2100
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.