In a recent study of New Jersey general pediatricians, two-thirds of respondents felt unprepared to promote literacy due to their lack of knowledge regarding literacy resources. Only one-quarter of those surveyed participated in Reach Out and Read or an equivalent program, though half of those not participating expressed interest in including literacy assessment and intervention in their practice. Respondents stated that a lack of time, funding to support reading, and concerns regarding parents’ receptiveness prevent them from engaging in literacy promotion (Mayne et al., 2018). Studies such as this one serve to underscore the need to emphasize child-literacy interventions and resources in medical-school curricula and pediatrics residency programs, to ensure pediatricians feel more prepared and knowledgeable about literacy. At a time when healthcare workers and educators alike are overwhelmed, technology may be a welcome solution to this particular challenge. With the increased prominence of telehealth following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of online or virtual interventions has the potential for families to experience more frequent, less stressful conversations around literacy with healthcare professionals.
TIPSBYTEXT
TipsByText, also known as Ready4K, delivers literacy interventions via text message to caregivers of children. Families received TipsByText interventions three times per week for seven months, including facts, encouragement, and reinforcements, beginning with the phrase “Doc says…” Researchers observed an equivalent three-month gain in literacy skills due to the TipsByText intervention (Chamberlain et al., 2021). Such text-based programs have the potential to reach families more frequently, especially when combined with in-person programs implemented in pediatric primary-care settings.
READING FOR LIFE: THE IMPACT OF YOUTH LITERACY ON HEALTH OUTCOMES 13
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