|
Abstract:
|
Prescription drugs---like wheelchairs, scooters, and Braille---are an integral part of treating disabling conditions, maintaining function, and improving the lives of many people with disabilities. Examples include drugs for hypertension, asthma, cancer, diabetes, and mental illness. Yet, while we measure the effects of other assistive devices in population surveys and studies, we tend to ignore prescription drugs. If data on prescription drugs are collected, it is difficult to know whether these drugs were prescribed to treat acute conditions (e.g., antibiotics) or to maintain or improve function for a disabling condition (e.g., psychotropic drugs). Besides information about prescription drugs, we also need to measure a person's ability to routinely take drugs as prescribed, out-of-pocket costs, and insurance coverage. This roundtable will serve as a forum to discuss these issues.
|
