October is Health Literacy Month, a great opportunity to reflect on how we communicate with patients and members and ensure our messages are clear, accessible, and culturally responsive.
At Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA), we know that many members face challenges related to language access and health literacy. Providers play a vital role in helping patients understand their care, and we’re here to support you.
Here are a few ways to enhance communication and promote understanding:
- Use plain language in patient forms and educational materials.
- Translate written materials into your patients’ preferred languages.
- Take a moment to confirm understanding of verbal instructions. Asking patients to repeat back key points can be helpful.
- Encourage questions to help patients feel confident and informed.
CCA offers a range of resources to support you, including interpreter services, CLAS tip sheets, and cultural competency training. These tools are designed to help you continue delivering high-quality, person-centered care for your patients.
Explore Language Services & Cultural Support Resources
Thank you for all you do to make health literacy a priority—not just this month, but every day.