Assessment of patients' knowledge about their illness and treatment.
One hundred and twenty two patients over the age of 65 were questioned about their knowledge of their illness and treatment. They were unaware of a quarter of both their illnesses and medications. There was a considerable lack of knowledge about certain groups of diseases and medications, while patients were much better informed about others. The possible reasons for this discrepancy are briefly discussed and some practical suggestions are put forward.
Radhamanohar
M
M
Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Medway Hospital, Gillingham, Kent.
Than
M
M
Rizvi
S
S
D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004194:Disease; D004358:Drug Therapy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans