Core 10: Health Literacy Core

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Project Summary: Health Literacy The overarching goal of the Health Literacy (HL) Core of the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center (LA CaTS) is to infuse HL, and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) into clinical research to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities among Louisiana’s most vulnerable populations. During the previous funding cycles, the Core was highly effective in embedding HL principles in clinical research projects both within and outside LA CaTS institutions to increase patients’ ability to obtain, understand, and use health information and services as well as participate in clinical trials. The HL Core has enabled collaboration between LA CaTS investigators and Federally Qualified Health Centers, as well as faith-based and civic organizations, in order to infuse HL principles in COVID-19 testing and vaccine outreach projects targeting vulnerable populations across the state. We have expanded our regional and national collaborations to include COVID-19 related research with the University of Texas at Houston CTSA. Specific aims for this next cycle are designed to expand our network to more investigators within and outside LA CaTS institutions to include HL principles and SDOH in their clinical research to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities: Aim 1. Enhance and expand trust-building relationships with historically excluded populations to understand their specific needs, barriers, and strategies to reduce health disparities. Aim 2. Collaborate with investigators at LA CaTS institutions to improve vulnerable patients’ understanding and use of new health technologies that improve management of chronic diseases, medication adherence, preventive care and recruitment in clinical trials, particularly in rural areas. Aim 3. Network within LA CaTS, with CTRs, CTSAs in our region and nationally, and with health agencies within the state, to provide equitable recruitment to clinical trials for historically excluded populations (rural and inner-city communities, diverse race/ethnicity, LGBTQ, formerly incarcerated individuals) to more fully address health disparities, and SDOH to improve health outcomes. We will accomplish these aims by: 1) expanding HL training to include literacy and culturally appropriate use of health technologies such as patient health education on digital platforms, patient electronic portals and digital apps to increase ongoing engagement with vulnerable populations; 2) advising investigators in developing and sustaining trust in relationships with vulnerable populations and community clinics, and agencies to address health disparities and improve participation in clinical trials and health outcomes; 3) continue to collaborate with investigators within LA CaTS to include Hispanic, rural, and other disadvantaged populations. These aims are designed to include a wide net of stakeholders to design and evaluate acceptable and feasible research strategies to improve access, understanding, and use of health information and services to improve the health of vulnerable populations.