During the Fall 2009 semester, four Bentley University students enrolled in the Human Relations in Healthcare Organizations class led by Natural Sciences Professor Helen Meldrum, were invited to work with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals to help the company assess and develop solutions for the growing problem of low health literacy, or individual's lack of ability to read, understand and use healthcare information to make decisions and follow instructions for treatment.

Since it is Pfizer's ongoing mission to provide effective healthcare solutions to medical professionals, an area of particular interest to Pfizer is the national problem of low literacy and how it impacts the United States healthcare system and overall American health. For a period of nearly four months, Pfizer asked Bentley students to research and prepare updated briefings on this widespread issue. Students helped determine how to better identify patients who might be affected by low health literacy and its consequences. They also surveyed health-care professionals throughout New England gathering information on patient/provider interactions in order to advance Pfizer's quest to create educational products that will bridge the knowledge gap between patients and healthcare providers.

Barbara M. Perry, PharmD, MPH, a Medical Outcomes Specialist with Pfizer, sponsored this Bentley student endeavor. After seeing the students' final presentation, Ms. Perry stated, "Low health literacy and patients' difficulty understanding and using health information presents significant challenges for health care providers. The Bentley University students who worked with us demonstrated a deep understanding of the scope and complexity of the problem. They also offered several creative and insightful solutions to enhance clear health communications."

When the semester was complete, the students provided specific recommendations to Pfizer including a Pfizer-sponsored directory of multilingual healthcare professionals, a series of preprinted handouts for patients in different languages, and specialized warnings for healthcare professionals about which medications are most likely to be misunderstood by low literacy patients. Other recommendations centered on assembling supplemental language tools, creating visual presentations and continuing education seminars for medical professionals.

PFIZER applies science and global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. The company strives to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Their diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world's best-known consumer products. For more than 150 years Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on them. To learn more, please visit at www.pfizer.com.