Which tools are commonly used to assess a patient's reading level?

The choice of REALM (Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine) and STOFHLA (Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults) as common tools for assessing a patient's reading level is relevant because both instruments are specifically designed to evaluate literacy in a healthcare context.

REALM measures a patient's ability to read and pronounce common medical terms. It helps healthcare professionals identify individuals who may struggle with understanding written health materials. STOFHLA, on the other hand, assesses a patient’s functional health literacy by testing their ability to comprehend and use health-related information, which is vital for effective communication and ensuring patients can follow treatment plans and understand health procedures.

Using both of these tools allows nurses and healthcare providers to gauge not only literacy skills but also how these skills affect a patient’s health outcomes. By identifying patients who may have low literacy skills, healthcare professionals can tailor their communication and educational approaches to improve understanding and adherence to medical instructions, ultimately leading to better patient care.