Medical Education Health Literacy: Embedding the Plain Language Summary into Medical School and Resident Didactics

Abstract

Research has linked poor health outcomes to literacy levels. The ACMGE considers patient communication a priority in medical education. The University of Minnesota incorporates the Plain Language Summary (PLS) in both medical school and resident didactics. Taught by the Clinical Librarian, the PLS is first introduced to medical students. The students learn the tools to construct the PLS and link to follow-up patient resources. Literacy education continues with patient health databases and customizable provider handouts that meet literacy levels between 6th and 8th grade. Grading and evaluation is the responsibility of the Clinical Librarian. This concept is repeated in resident didactics.