From Confusion to Clarity: Human-Centered Solutions for Health Literacy

In today’s complex healthcare system, many patients leave appointments confused and unsure of next steps. This session explores a proven, human-centered care model that blends technology with trained health professionals to close communication gaps and improve health literacy. Drawing on real-world case studies from MedCompanion, participants will learn practical strategies for plain-language communication, co-creating solutions through community partnerships, and using technology to reduce access barriers. Attendees will walk away with actionable tools to empower patients, strengthen care coordination, and drive measurable improvements in understanding, engagement, and outcomes across diverse populations.

Session Objectives:

  • Identify at least three common communication barriers that patients face in healthcare settings and describe how technology and trained health advocates can help overcome them.

  •  Apply principles of human connection to enable plain-language and inclusive communication, making content more accessible and understandable.

  • Utilize a provided checklist to evaluate and select appropriate technology tools that support patient engagement and improve access to health information.


#PublicHealth
IHA Health Literacy Conference
2026
Communication
Community Engagement
Organizational Systems and Policies
Topic
Audience
Health Care Professionals, Community Health Workers, Navigators, and Peer Educators, Health Educators and Patient Educators
Setting
Primary Care and Outpatient Practices, Digital Health and Telehealth
Level
Applied