The Institute of Medicine IOM is undertaking a new study to consider the public health dimensions of the epilepsies in the United Statesincluding health care and human services, health literacy, and education. The report of the study, which is due out on 30th March, will recommend priorities in these areas in order to better understand the public health impact of the epilepsies and to meet the needs of people with epilepsy and their caregivers. Specifically, the IOM study is focussing on the following questions:
- How can the public health burden of epilepsy for patients and families be more accurately assessed?
- What priorities for future population health studies could inform treatment and prevention?
- How can the access to health and human services and the quality of care for people with epilepsy be improved?
- How can the education and training of professionals who work with people with epilepsy be improved?
- How can the understanding of epilepsy in patients and the general public be improved to create supportive communities?
On Friday March 30th the IOM report will receive its public release. It will be available on the IOM website free of charge. Hard copies of the report will not be available for 10-12 weeks after March 30th and will incur a cost.
About the Institute of Medicine
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies is an independent, nonprofit organization that works outside of government to provide unbiased and authoritative advice to decision makers and the public.
Established in 1970, the IOM is the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences, which was chartered under President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Nearly 150 years later, the National Academy of Sciences has expanded into what is collectively known as the National Academies, which comprises the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the National Research Council, and the IOM.
The IOM asks and answers the nations most pressing questions about health and health care.
Its aim is to help those in government and the private sector make informed health decisions by providing evidence upon which they can rely. Each year, more than 2,000 individuals, members, and nonmembers volunteer their time, knowledge, and expertise to the work of the IOM.
Many of the studies that the IOM undertakes begin as specific mandates from Congress; others are requested by federal agencies and independent organizations. While its expert, consensus committees are vital to its advisory role, the IOM also convenes a series of forums, roundtables, and standing committees to facilitate its work.