Evaluating health literacy in older patients
Official title: A Comparison of Health Literacy Estimates Among Patients, Caregivers and a Geriatric Team
Run by Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation · NCT06971393 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 110 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 26, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | May 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06971393 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.