Dr. Google Will See You Now: Health Literacy in the Digital Age

Health information is everywhere: online resources, third-party apps on your smartphone, artificial intelligence-driven chatbots; even the patient portal to your electronic health record. So why does understanding and using health information remain a challenge for millions of Americans? And how does communication, trust and misinformation shape health care experiences for patients and providers alike? Join Chrissy Keating, health literacy specialist at UVM Medical Center, as we explore why nearly nine in 10 adults struggle with health information; hear volunteer patient and family advisor Susanna Stinnett and patient engagement partner Vicki Mascareno-Nelson discuss how lived experiences improve patient-provider communication systems; explore the impact of misinformation and a crowded digital landscape with infections disease specialist and medical ethicist Tim Lahey, MD; and learn how preparing for your care can transform your health care appointments, with tips from professional health care risk manager Geri Amori and community outreach manager Maria Avery. Get a hopeful, practical look at how better communication, shared decision-making and curiosity on both sides of the exam room can lead to better health outcomes. Resources: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionNational Institutes of Health (searchable health condition information)Mayo Clinic (patient-facing medical information)Harvard Medical School (health education and condition overviews)American Academy of PediatricsInfectious Diseases Society of AmericaAmerican Heart AssociationAmerican Diabetes AssociationHealth Bytes and Insights (Request a session)