Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Healthcare Literacy, Empathy, and Communication to Prevent Bias and Improve Patient Compliance

This presentation focuses on the vital role that health literacy plays in improving patient outcomes and reducing risks in healthcare settings. Designed for healthcare executives and physicians, it examines how low health literacy contributes to patient disengagement, poor adherence to treatment plans, and increased risk for safety events and malpractice claims.

The session highlights the widespread issue of limited health literacy in the U.S., where a significant portion of the adult population struggles to understand medical information. This lack of understanding can lead to delayed diagnoses, improper treatment choices, and an overall decline in health outcomes. The presentation will also explore the connection between health literacy and the increased likelihood of litigation, as ineffective communication is a common cause of legal claims in healthcare.

Through the lens of empathy and clear communication, the session will provide strategies for healthcare professionals to improve patient interactions and ensure that patients fully understand their diagnoses, treatment options, and care plans. Participants will learn how to foster better patient engagement, increase adherence to medical advice, and ultimately reduce the risk of safety events and claims.

By focusing on both personal and organizational health literacy, this presentation equips healthcare leaders with the tools to create a more supportive, patient-centered environment that enhances patient satisfaction and promotes better health outcomes while reducing the potential for legal issues and safety concerns