FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON June 30, 2003
American Academy of Neurology Initiates Health Literacy Training for Neurologists
St. Paul, Minn. -
Recognizing that 50 percent of adult patients with neurological disorders may have difficulty comprehending information that their physician provides to them, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) plans to offer health literacy training for its members. According to Sandra Olson, MD, AAN president, “Health illiteracy has been linked with medication errors, lack of adherence to treatment recommendations, missed appointments, adverse medical outcomes and malpractice lawsuits. We feel it’s important to elevate awareness of the problem of health illiteracy and take action through our members.” The AAN, along with a handful of other medical specialty societies, have participated in training events presented by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the AMA Foundation which focus on awareness of the enormity of the problem of health care illiteracy, and strategies for improving physician-patient communication. In addition, the AAN will incorporate a health literacy curriculum for medical students and residents in its residency programs. AAN members Gloria Galloway, MD, and John Schafer, MD, recently participated in the AMA’s health literacy training program and are now working with AAN staff to make the training available for other neurologists and members of their staff. “It can be very challenging, particularly when dealing with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and stroke, to communicate effectively with patients. The AAN feels it’s a practical step for neurologists be on the forefront to improve health literacy and make a major impact on patient care,” said Olson.