Health Literacy Out Loud Podcast

Pamela Katz Ressler MS, RN, HNB-BC, is the founder of Stress Resources in Concord, Massachusetts, a firm specializing in building resilience for individuals and organizations through connection, communication and compassion. Ressler teaches in the Pain Research, Education and Policy Program at Tufts University, serves on the Executive Board for Medicine X at Stanford University, and speaks about resilience at conferences worldwide. Pam Ressler also is an expert on using social media in healthcare. In this podcast, Pam Ressler talks with Helen Osborne about: How digital communication is helping people connect and share their experience of illness. And why this matters. A rapid evolution from blogs to tweets and online peer-to-peer communities. Ways that these forms of communication help patients make meaning of their illness and recovery, and move toward personalization and action. More Ways to Learn: Stress Resources, at http://www.stressresources.com “Communicating the Experience of Chronic Illness in the Digital Age,” a panel discussion moderated by Pamela Ressler at Medicine X, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBdYLhiucnE&feature=youtu.be Inspire, at https://www.inspire.com Mayo Clinic Connect, at https://connect.mayoclinic.org Healthcare Hashtag Project from Symplur, at https://www.symplur.com/healthcare-hashtags/ “Blogging to Communicate the Experience of Illness (HLOL #53), at http://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2011/02/15/health-literacy-out-loud-podcast-53-blogging-to-communicate-the-experience-of-illness/ Health Literacy from A to Z: Practical Ways to Communicate Your Health Message, Second Edition (Updated 2018), by Helen Osborne. Relevant chapters include: 34, 41 Read the transcript of this podcast.

Andy Rosenberg has over 25 years of experience as a political lobbyist, Capitol Hill staffer and former congressional candidate. In 2010, he helped create a health policy and government affairs firm called Thorn Run Partners. More recently, Andy founded a startup company called Reponsum that is developing an innovative educational tool for people with chronic diseases. In this podcast, Andy Rosenberg talks with Helen Osborne about: While the Internet may first seem like a wealth of information, patients and caregivers can easily get overwhelmed with outdated, non-customized content. Responsum, an upcoming online tool with curated patient education. Lessons learned from mapping patients’ information journeys. Includes 5 stages of patient centered-ness: noticing symptoms, getting a diagnosis, searching and researching, deciding about treatment, and living with a chronic disease. More Ways to Learn: Responsum, http://responsum.com Thorn Run Partners, http://thornrun.com PCORI’s Advisory Panel on Communication and Dissemination Research. Learn more at http://www.pcori.org/get-involved/join-advisory-panel/advisory-panel-communication-and-dissemination-research Read the transcript of this podcast. 

Gretchen Schwarze MD, MPP, is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Surgery and Medical History and Bioethics at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Schwarze is a practicing vascular surgeon and health services researcher who also directs the clinical ethics curriculum for the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.  Her research interests are in patient-doctor decision making for high-risk operations and end-of-life care for surgical patients. In this podcast, Dr. Schwarze talks with Helen Osborne about: Best Case/Worst Case. A decision-making strategy that uses narrative, a graphic aid, and simplicity to communicate with families about complex treatment options. Examples, stories, and research about using Best Case/Worst Case in practice. Ways that patients and non-physicians can build on these lessons learned. More ways to learn: Kruser JM, Taylor LJ, et al, “Best Case/Worst Case: Training Surgeons to Use a Novel Communication Tool for High-Risk Acute Surgical Problems,” Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 53, No. 4, April 2017. Abstract at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28062349 Taylor LJ, Nabozny MJ, et al, “A Framework to Improve Surgeon Communication in High-Stakes Surgical Decisions: Best Case/Worst Case,” JAMA Surgery, February 1, 2017. PDF at http://ipepweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/jamasurgery_Taylor_2017_oi_160108.pdf “Best Case/ Worst Case Communication Tool – Whiteboard Video.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnS3K44sbu0 “Best Case/Worst Case: High-Stakes Surgical Decisions” (training program). At https://www.hipxchange.org/BCWC Read a transcript of this podcast.

Mark Hochhauser, PhD, is a psychologist and readability consultant in Golden Valley, MN. He also is a long-time health literacy champion. Among his many accomplishments, Hochhauser has researched the readability of consent forms, HIPAA notices, and patient’s bill of rights. He has given more than 100 presentations and authored over 200 articles. Hochhauser has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses on topics that include Adulthood and Aging, Human Learning and Memory, Motivation and Emotion, and Abnormal Psychology. In this podcast, Mark Hochhauser and Helen Osborne talk about: Brain changes including working memory, processing speed, selective attention, and other factors that tend to decline with age. What listeners can do to effectively communicate with older adults. What patients and families can do to better understand health information. How technology offers hope, opportunity, and tools for health communication. More ways to learn: Open Notes: Building Transparency, Trust, and Better Health Outcomes (HLOL #154). An interview with Susan Woods MD, MPH. http://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2016/09/01/open-notes-building-transparency-trust-and-better-health-outcomes-hlol-154/ After Visit Summaries (HLOL #152). An interview with Alex Federman MD, MPH. http://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2016/07/01/after-visit-summaries-hlol-152/ Chesser AK, Woods NK, Smothers K, Rogers N, “Health Literacy and Older Adults: A Systematic Review.” Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, published online March 15, 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5119904/ “Health Information Technology: HHS Should Assess the Effectiveness of Its Efforts to Enhance Patient Access to and Use of Electronic Health Information.” Report from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-305 Read the transcript of this podcast.

Adriana Bobinchock is the senior director of Public Affairs and Communications for McLean Hospital, the largest psychiatric affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Bobinchock has worked in healthcare communications for more than 17 years and has a keen interest in educating the public about mental health. In 2016, Bobinchock along with her colleague Scott O’Brien, spearheaded McLean’s national public awareness campaign Deconstructing Stigma: A Change in Thought Can Change a Life. In this podcast, Adriana Bobinchock talks with Helen Osborne about: Deconstructing Stigma. What this project is, why it got started, who’s involved, and how it is helping educate the public about mental illness. Ways this project uses photos, personal stories, statistics, social media, partnerships, and public space to convey a difficult, yet important, health message. Suggestions about ways to create innovative, meaningful educational projects of your own. More ways to learn: Deconstructing Stigma. Read stories, see photos, and otherwise learn more about this campaign at http://deconstructingstigma.org Prisoners of Age: Portraits of Elderly Inmates. Start learning more at this page from the National Organization of Forensic Social Work, http://nofsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Webinar-Announcement-Prisoners-of-Age.pdf Read the transcript of this podcast.

Amy Six-Means, MLIS, is on the librarian team at Children’s Health in Dallas, Texas. She worked at two other consumer health libraries prior to that. Six-Means started as an elementary school teacher, later going back to school for a degree in library science. Along the way, she discovered the connection between medical librarianship and health literacy and has been a passionate advocate ever since. In this podcast, Amy Six-Means talks with Helen Osborne about: What consumer health librarians do, where they work, and how they help patients, caregivers, and the public better understand about illness, treatment, and health. How consumer health librarians can make a difference whether working in hospitals, communities, or healthcare systems. Collaborating with consumer health librarians for better health literacy. More Ways to Learn: Six-Means A, “Health Literacy’s Influence on Consumer Libraries,” Medical Reference Services Quarterly, Volume 36, Issue 1, 2017. Abstract available at http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02763869.2017.1259920?journalCode=wmrs20 Medical Library Association, http://www.mlanet.org Consumer Health Information Specialization from the Medical Library Association, http://www.mlanet.org/p/cm/ld/fid=329 MedLinePlus, https://medlineplus.gov National Institutes of Health: Centers & Offices, https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/list-nih-institutes-centers-offices CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/ HLM, Video Series for Cover Missouri, http://www.healthliteracy.media/health-insurance-literacy-videos/ Examples of collaborative partnerships with medical/consumer health librarians and community members, public health initiatives, or health care organizations to further health literacy and support patients, loved ones, and the community. HeLP MN Seniors. Example of a collaborative program with medical librarians and apublic organization. Developed by the Minnesota Health Literacy Partnershipand the University of Minnesota Health Sciences Libraries. Learn more at http://healthliteracymn.org/resources/help-mn-seniors Michigan Medicine Patient Education Clearinghouse. Developed and maintained by Ruti Volk,S.I., A.H.I.P, UMHS Patient Education Librarian. At http://careguides.med.umich.edu Davis J, “Health Information Ambassador Program for Patient Education: A Best Practice for Bringing the Consumer Health Library to the Patient,” Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet, Volume 17, Issue 1, 2013. Abstract available at http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15398285.2013.756344?src=recsys&journalCode=wchi20 Read the transcript of this podcast.

Michael Jackman is District Director for Massachusetts Congressman William R. Keating. Mike has a long history of public service and community outreach in the areas of health and safety, crime prevention, and wellness. He is involved with numerous initiatives and now chairs a Community Health Network Alliance (CHNA) called the South Shore Community Partners in Prevention. Health literacy is a key component of much of Mike’s work. In this podcast, Michael Jackman talks with Helen Osborne about: How elected officials can affect health policy and funding at local, state, and national levels. Why it is important for everyday people to participate in this governmental process Examples of ways to bridge the gap between elected officials and health literacy. More ways to learn: United States Senate, http://www.senate.gov/index.htm United States House of Representatives, http://www.house.gov Website of the Governor of Massachusetts, Governor Charlie D Baker Proclaims Health Literacy Month, http://www.mass.gov/governor/constituent-services/recognition/issued-proclamations/2016/health-literacy-month.html United States Representative Bill Keating, https://keating.house.gov South Shore Community Partners in Prevention (CHNA 23), http://chna23.org Read the transcript of this podcast.

Janet Ohene-Frempong, MS, is a plain language and cross-cultural communications consultant with over 25 years of experience in consumer communications. She brings to this work a passion for health literacy and background as a registered dietitian. Janet often is invited to speak at national conferences and provides consultation on plain language and cross-cultural communications for a wide range of health information providers. Deservedly, Janet has received many honors and accolades for her work. In this podcast, Janet Ohene-Frempong and Helen Osborne discuss: Communicating about food in a multicultural world. Why this matters today. Issues to consider such as whether foods are available, affordable, convenient, appropriate, and familiar. Examples of respectful and inclusive ways to communicate about food. Why doing so is not only appropriate but also can be deeply satisfying and gratifying. More Ways to Learn: USDA My Plate. At https://www.choosemyplate.gov American Diabetes Association: Create Your Plate. At http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/create-your-plate/ Diabetes-Friendly Foods From Around the World, http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/type-2-diabetes-management/diabetes-foods-world-cuisines/ “Acculturation, Dietary Acceptability, and Diabetes Management among Chinese in North America,” Deng F, Zhang A, Chan CB, Frontiers in Endocrinology, August 27, 2013. At https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3753561/ “Cultural Considerations in Diabetes Education,” AADE Practice Synopsis, July 28, 2015. At https://www.diabeteseducator.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/cultural-considerations-in-diabetes-management.pdf?sfvrsn=0 “Meal-Planning Strategies: Ethnic Populations,” Brown TL, Diabetes Spectrum At http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/16/3/190 “Festival Foods in the Immigrant Diet,” Azar KMJ, Chen E, Holland AT, Palaniappan LP, J Immigrant Minor Health, 2013 October. At https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3552147/ “Cultural and Ethnic Food and Nutrition Education Materials: A Resource List for Educators,” November 2013. Food and Nutrition Information Center, National Agricultural Library USDA. At http://www.raisinghealthykidz.org/files/resources/cultural-and-ethnic-food-and-nutrition-materials.pdf Read the transcript for this podcast.

Frank Rider, MS, has worn many healthcare “hats.” He is a senior financing specialist within the domestic Policy, Practice and Systems Change programs at the American Institutes for Research. One of his previous jobs was as Chief of the Bureau for Children’s Services for Arizona’s Division of Behavioral Health Services. And starting soon after college, Rider was a foster parent for both the Navajo Nation and state of Arizona. Frank Rider’s life-long commitment to family-driven care builds on all these experiences and perspectives. In this podcast, Frank Rider talks with Helen Osborne about: “Triple Aim” goals for better healthcare: Better experience, better outcomes, at lowest possible cost. Dissonance and tensions that sometimes arise among differing perspectives. Ways to work towards better care, whatever your scope of influence. More Ways to Learn: The IHI Triple Aim. Learn more at http://www.ihi.org/engage/initiatives/tripleaim/pages/default.aspx National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, at https://www.ffcmh.org American Institutes for Research (AIR) Center for Patient & Consumer Engagement, at http://aircpce.org Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), at http://www.pcori.org Read the transcript of this podcast.

Kathy Kastner is founder and curator of the only patient/consumer-perspective website for end of life education, BestEndings.com, and author of the eBook, Death Kills… and other things I’ve learned on the Internet. Kastner also shares this information by speaking at healthcare conferences, blogging on health websites, hosting tweetchats, and participating in invitation-only think tanks. Kathy Kastner has received numerous awards for her advocacy and work in end of life education. In this podcast, Kathy Kastner talks with Helen Osborne about: End of life. An emotionally fraught topic often prompted by a new diagnosis, change in health status, or even news reported in the media. Examples of words, terms, and end of life concepts that are often misunderstood. Ways professionals can help improve education and understanding about end of life. Ways patients, families, and the public can help in these conversations too. More Ways to Learn: BestEndings: End of life planning made easier. At http://www.bestendings.com Kastner K, 2016. Death Kills… and other things I’ve learned on the Internet. Available at https://www.amazon.com/Death-things-learned-internet-illustrated-ebook/dp/B01LXKFCBV Changing focus from planning end of life to preparing for end of life decisions. Includes, “Do you know what you’re going to eat next Tuesday?” An interview with Dr. Rebecca Sudore, at http://www.bestendings.com/end-of-life-decisions-and-next-tuesdays-food/ Palliative Home Visits are the Future. An interview with a palliative care physician. At http://www.bestendings.com/palliative-home-visits/ Next Step in Care: A Guide for Family Caregivers about Hospice and Palliative Care. At http://www.nextstepincare.org/Caregiver_Home/Hospice Osborne H, “Communicating Bad and Sad News,” On Call magazine, May 1, 2005. Full text at http://healthliteracy.com/2005/05/01/bad-sad-news/ Read the written transcript of this podcast. 

Marin Allen, PhD, is the Deputy Associate Director for Communications and Public Liaison and Director of Public Information in the Office of the Director at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Allen has more than 30 years experience in all aspects of public communication. Her many accomplishments include being a full professor at Gallaudet University, working as a media specialist for the White House Conference on Aging, being a faculty member at the University of Maryland, and winning two Emmy awards. She now serves on the National Academy of Medicine’s Roundtable on Health Literacy and is the NIH liaison to the Health and Human Services Workgroup on Health Literacy. In this podcast, Dr. Marin Allen talks with Helen Osborne about: Why public communication is fundamental to the human condition. Examples of how to consider the needs of everyone including those with communication differences, disorders, and disabilities. Showing respect for, and building trust with, each audience. More ways to learn: National Institutes of Health: Clear Communication. Includes information about cultural respect, language access, and plain language. At https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication National Institutes of Health: Science, Health, and Public Trust. At https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication/science-health-public-trust National Institutes of Health: Getting Started or Brushing Up (with a printable certificate). At https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication/plain-language/plain-language-getting-started-or-brushing National Association of the Deaf. At https://nad.org National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. At https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice-speech-and-language “Teach-back (HLOL #129).” A Health Literacy Out Loud podcast interview with Dean Schillinger, MD. At http://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2015/02/03/teach-back-hlol-129/ National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: Roundtable on Health Literacy. Learn more and access reports and workshop summaries at http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/Activities/PublicHealth/HealthLiteracy.aspx Read the transcript for this podcast.

          Mary Ann Abrams, MD, MPH, is Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine. She previously led Iowa Health System’s (now UnityPoint Health) health literacy quality initiative and development of Health Literacy Iowa. Dr. Abrams is also author of Building Health Literate Organizations: A Guidebook to Achieving Organizational Change. Cynthia (Cyndi) Hall MHA, CPHQ, works at the Carolinas Healthcare System, rolling out health literacy education to more than 500 medical offices. As Project Manager for her organization’s “Teach Well” educational program, Cyndi inspires teammates to use proven health literacy techniques and best practices. Shelby Chapman, MA is the Health Literacy Program manager at Children’s Hospital Colorado. This program encompasses patient/family education for the whole system, affecting change throughout the organization. In this podcast, Mary Ann Abrams, Cyndi Hall, and Shelby Chapman talk with Helen Osborne about: Thinking big about health literacy. Examples of system-wide, sustainable changes to help make health literacy a part of an organization’s culture. Lessons learned about key factors such as making a case for health literacy, engaging others, and measuring and documenting success. Tips and recommendations for thinking big at YOUR organization. More ways to learn: Abrams MA, Kurtz-Ross S, Riffenburgh A, Savage B. Building Health Literate Organizations: A Guidebook to Achieving Organizational Change. Health. At http://www.unitypoint.org/health-literacy-guidebook.aspx Brach, C, Keller D, Hernandez LJ, et al. Ten Attributes of Health Literate Health Care Organizations discussion paper from the Institute of Medicine’s Health Literacy Roundtable. At https://nam.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/BPH_Ten_HLit_Attributes.pdf “A Conversation About the Always Use Teach-back! Toolkit (HLOL #93).” A Health Literacy Out Loud podcast interview w Mary Ann Abrams, Suzanne Rita, and Gail Nielsen. At http://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2013/03/19/a-conversation-about-the-always-use-teach-back-toolkit-hlol-93/ “Attributes of Health Literate Organizations (HLOL #82),” a Health Literacy Out Loud podcast interview with Cindy Brach. At http://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2012/08/14/health-literacy-out-loud-82-attributes-of-health-literate-organizations/ “Archie Willard Talks About Struggling to Read (HLOL #3),” a Health Literacy Out Loud podcast interview. At http://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2008/10/20/archie-willard-what-its-like-to-be-a-struggling-reader/ Read the written transcript.