Mid Semester Self-Reflection

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through MHST 631. This course has really made me think differently about how health information is shared and understood. There are so many factors to consider when communicating health information effectively….things like accessibility, learning preferences, and cultural context. I’ve enjoyed exploring the different frameworks that help tailor learning, like the PRECEDE-PROCEED and Social Cognitive models, because they make the theory behind health promotion feel more relevant to current real-world settings.

The positionality activity was another highlight for me. It was interesting to put into words how my background and professional experiences shape the way I approach my work and how others might perceive me. It’s something I don’t usually stop to think about, but it’s made me more aware of how important self-reflection is when working with diverse populations.

My topic, health literacy, turned out to be even broader than I expected. Because I currently manage a program focused on it, I plan to narrow my scope to medication management after discharge. It’s a vital piece of the puzzle when trying to reduce readmissions and improve outcomes. I remember being surprised early on by how low literacy levels are in Canada, especially among older adults when it comes to both digital and health literacy. That reality continues to be a motivational factor for me  to find better ways to support patients once they leave the hospital.

Balancing this course with work and a busy fall season has been a bit of a juggling act, especially with a major weekend project on the go, as I recently bought a fixer upper. Thankfully, I have wrapped up for the year, and I am excited to have more of a focus in this course for the rest of the semester!