MAXIMUS Center for Health Literacy to Host Webinar

The MAXIMUS Center for Health Literacy announced today that it is hosting a webinar on Friday, January 21, 2011 to discuss the importance of health literacy for successful patient engagement when using health information technology (HIT). MAXIMUS, Inc. MMS is a leading provider of government services worldwide. The webinar will feature thought leaders Linda Harris and Joshua Seidman from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It will also highlight the Center's recently published white paper, “Health Literacy: The Pathway to Patient Engagement and Cost-Effective Care.” The webinar is aimed at state agencies responsible for implementing the HIT components of the Recovery Act and the Reform Act, community leaders, and consumer advocate organizations. The guest presenters will discuss the growing number of federal programs designed to advance health literacy, address the challenges of engaging the full diversity of patients, and provide practical approaches to incorporate health literacy strategies using existing resources and available funding. The webinar will address specific items from the white paper, including: The importance of health literacy in supporting patients and providers in the improvement of health and health care The health literacy and communications challenges that states and healthcare communities face as they seek to use Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) The particular need for clear communication for “dual eligibles,” those patients who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid The Center's white paper is available on the Health Care Reform Resources page of the MAXIMUS Website. “Studies of health literacy show that nearly half of all adults have difficulty understanding information about health care. As governments implement HIEs and health care providers transition to EHRs, it's important to ensure that these new technologies meet the needs of all patients, especially those with limited literacy skills,” commented Penny Lane, Director of the Center for Health Literacy and co-author of the white paper. “We look forward to discussing with our guests and audience how to make sure this new technology is truly patient-centered and user-friendly so that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind.” This webinar is the ninth presentation in a series of free webinars designed to provide government health services organizations with insights and solutions to challenges presented by health care reform. The “Achieving Meaningful Use: Patient Engagement through Health Literacy” webinar will be held on Friday, January 21st from 2:00 to 3:30 PM (ET). To register for this webinar or to receive additional information, contact webinars@maximus.com or call 703-251-8398.