SHP Dean’s Certificate in Health Literacy

The MU School of Health Professions has obtained a multi-year grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health to better educate health professional students about the health literacy of the individuals we serve.  This is in effort to improve their ability to understand and follow through with health care plans and obtain a better understanding of the many non-medical factors which affect health care. 

This certificate program is designed to cover Health Literacy from a number of perspectives, including Culture, Behavior, Ethics and many other aspects that go beyond the traditional scope of diagnosis and treatment.

In order to earn this certificate, and to distinguish yourself from others in the health care field, students must complete each of the five classes below:

• Culture and Health Literacy (HP 4800):  Students will be educated regarding basic cultural factors that affect the ability/willingness of individuals to follow suggested health interventions, and particularly individuals from traditionally underserved populations.

• Health Policies, Health Disparities, and Health Literacy (HP 3300):  Health professional students will be instructed in federal and state health policies/programs, including funding mechanisms, available health services, and limitations related to difficulties in receiving services.

• Behavioral Compliance and Health Literacy (HP 4420):  Health professional students will learn why individuals may understand suggested medical treatments but not comply with treatment for various reasons (education, problem solving abilities, and ability to use/access existing resources such as computers, medical equipment, and other technologies). Potential solutions/strategies to deal with these limitations will be offered.

• Bioethics, Medicolegal Issues, and Health Literacy (HP 4480):  It is important for health professionals to be aware of the ethical and legal issues that impact the decisions made by Missourians regarding their health care.  Issues to be covered include the role of medical ethics in the following areas: advance directives/end of life decisions, just allocation of resources, assisted suicide/euthanasia, reproductive medicine/abortion, organ transplantation, genetic engineering/cloning, etc.

• Humanism and Health Literacy (HP 4100):  A primary weakness in health education relates to the focus on teaching knowledge and skills with minimal attention to the attitudes/biases held by health professionals and society regarding these groups.  In order to assist individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities in caring for themselves, it is important to understand how they identify with their health condition and how they are perceived (or misperceived) by society. This will be accomplished through review of related literature, as well as reviewing art throughout history to understand how individuals with chronic illnesses/disabilities have been misperceived/mistreated throughout history.

For more information about this unique program, speak with Dr. Brick Johnstone (573-882-8847) or Dr. Rosemary Hogan (573-882-8422) today!  We look forward to hearing from you!