Safe prescribing and dyslexia - July 2019.pdf (585.69 kB)
Safe and effective prescribing with dyslexia
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 18:30 authored by Sebastian ShawSebastian Shaw, Laura R Hennessy, Michael OkorieMichael Okorie, John L AndersonBackground: The term ‘dyslexia’ refers to a condition that impacts upon reading and writing abilities whilst not altering intelligence. Individuals with dyslexia may have difficulties with the speed and accuracy and their reading and writing, amongst other issues. Dyslexia is not automatically considered a disability but is a protected characteristic under the UK Equality Act (2010), and therefore employers and educational institutions are required to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ in order to allow individuals to reach their full potential. There is a lack of research on this issue, but what little there is suggests that doctors feel as though any support they received ended when they graduated from medical school. Main body: A core distinction between medical school and medical practice is the requirement to prescribe medicines as registered medical practitioners. Junior doctors have to master this complex and potentially hazardous skill “on the job”, with a perceived lack of support. Here, we open up a debate about the potential impact of dyslexia on prescribing, and the need to find supports that may be effective in enabling doctors with dyslexia prescribe medicines safely and effectively – and thus reach their full potential as medical practitioners and promote patient safety. Conclusion: We argue that medical schools and hospitals could immediately provide dyslexia awareness training in both undergraduate and postgraduate settings. We discuss electronic prescribing systems, and conclude that research is required to identify effective supports for junior doctors with dyslexia.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
BMC Medical EducationISSN
1472-6920Publisher
BioMed CentralExternal DOI
Volume
19Article number
a277Department affiliated with
- BSMS Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2019-07-26First Open Access (FOA) Date
2019-07-26First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2019-07-26Usage metrics
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