Education in the broader sense.
Education is the key element in medical science. It is generally divided into pre-graduate, postgraduate and continuing medical education, with the physician as the main target. It usually covers aetiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, outcome and long-term effects. Neurology is a large field in medical science, focusing on diseases of the brain, the spinal cord, the peripheral nerves and muscles. They tend to be chronic and, often progressive, leading to long-term disability and handicap for the individual, frequently associated with personal, social and emotional consequences. In the time span of a patient with a neurological disease, interaction with physicians is important and often vital, but interaction with other health groups and relatives or other caregivers is longer and more intensive. The knowledge and experience of the patient and caregiver is equally important, in that an informed patient or caregiver is more likely to participate actively and be of greater benefit in disease management. This paper promotes the concept that education in neurology should be integrated to include the physicians and other professionals as well as patients, caregivers and public. A broader awareness of neurological diseases will draw support and improve the approach of society to the provision of resources and management of these illnesses, as well as public attitude towards the symptoms and to those who live with them. Two bodies have collaborated in writing this article: the education committee of the EFNS and the EFNA.
Grisold
W
W
EFNS Head Office Vienna, University Campus, Vienna, Austria.
Baker
M G
MG
Newton
A M
AM
Mueller
E
E
Sipido
E M
EM
D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases; D009462:Neurology / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010820:Physicians / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012944:Social Support; D012952:Societies / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends