The same applies for information about preparing for a test or procedure, or about what symptoms should prompt a visit to the doctor. All this comes at a time when both medical advances and cost consciousness in the health system have raised expectations that patients will take a more active role in the monitoring and treatment of their illnesses. Physicians can play a significant role in addressing this problem. In approving the CSA report last month, the AMA House of Delegates pledged the Association to encourage public and private financing for additional study into this problem. The AMA also supports additional communication training for physicians and other measures to raise awareness and find solutions to the problem.
Literacy is a fundamental issue for the medical profession.
The marvels of modern medicine don't amount to much for patients who can't master something as simple as taking the right pill at the right time.