Perspectives

Enhancing Medical Education for the Care of Patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: The Role of Specialized Training and Early Exposure

Authors: Alice Hamilton, MS, Caroline Sachse, MS, Elisa Sottile, MD, Rafik Jacob, MD

Abstract

Training for healthcare professionals focuses on the able-bodied person who can communicate pertinent positive and negative symptoms to establish a diagnosis and select a treatment. Unfortunately, clinical practice often involves the evaluation and management of patients who are unable to articulate their specific experiences. This inability to explain their symptoms and understand their medical conditions can directly interfere with their care, as seen in the association between patients with low health literacy and worse health outcomes.1

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