Measuring patients' ability to read and comprehend: a first step in patient education.

摘要: Recent reports released by the U.S. Department of Education indicate that approximately 90 million adults have poor reading and comprehension skills. This information highlights importance considering literacy level clients when planning patient education programs. The purpose this investigation was to measure, in urban public clinics, discrepancy between a self-report highest grade completed school actual levels patients, measured WRAT CLOZE. Twenty-five subjects, 22 African Americans 3 Caucasians, participated study. findings indicated that, even though self-reported showed mean twelfth grade, below eighth grade. results on 52% (N = 13) subjects needed additional instructions after materials 24% were unable comprehend what they read. demographics people with skills suggests represent significant proportion health care consumers who visit departments, primary facilities, community-based centers (Baker, Newton, & Bergerstresser, 1988).