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Most adults have some difficulty understanding basic health instructions, according to a health literacy study by the National Center for Education Statistics. The results illustrate a growing need for improved communication among physicians and their patients. "The most important point to make and convey to physicians and practices is that it's really important to communicate in a clear and understandable manner to all your patients," says Barbara DeBuono, MD, senior medical advisor for public health and policy at pharmaceutical company Pfizer and chair of the board at the Partnership for Clear Health Communication, a national coalition dedicated to improving health literacy.