A national study on professional preparation in patient education.

During the 1980-81 academic year, 249 academic institutions were surveyed concerning professional preparation in patient education. Various degrees of involvement were reported by 39 institutions. Findings indicate that such programs are relatively new, and enrollment in degree programs and courses is limited. Placement of program graduates was termed excellent; especially in public hospitals, private hospitals, and clinics. Part-time teaching faculty are utilized extensively, while some faculty lack either formal preparation or clinical experience in patient education. (Am J Public Health 1982; 72:180-182.)