Consumer Healthcare Education

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Consumer Healthcare Education

• By Prof. Sumant Goel

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WHO ?

• Who is be most concerned about your HEALTH..
• YOU

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Health ?

• Regardless of age, sex or wealth HEALTH is your
  most important asset.
• Good communication with your doctor is very
  important.
• People can live longer if they work on health as
  a goal.
• If health is ruined your life is worthless.

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Your Rights

• The right to the satisfaction of basic needs
• The right to safety
• The right to be informed
• The right to choose
• The right to be heard
• The right to redress
• The right to consumer education
• The right to a healthy and sustainable
  environment

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Sometimes information therapy can help solve
your Health problems even before you begin
Medical therapy.
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Why?

• Because of specialization and superspecialisation
  patients often seen as different organs rather
  than as a whole individual.
• You should know about different specialists and
  their qualifications and competence.
• Quacks ? beware.

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Why?

• For getting the best medical care it has now
  become imperative for an individual to learn some
  basics about his body and ailments and various
  diagnostic tests.
• Know about your lab tests and in which disease
  they should be used.
• Always choose a good and reliable lab.

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Why?

• There has been a surge in interest in
  complementary and alternative therapies- like
  Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Reiki, Acupuncture, Siddha
  etc. If allopathy does not give relief these
  systems are worth a try.
• They are particularly helpful for chronic
  problems.

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Why?

• For several treatments various approaches are
  available. Which is the best one? To address this
  question concept of evidence based healthcare has
  emerged in last few years.

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Why?

• Few people realise, most drugs have side effects,
  antibiotic resistance has been a major challenge
  in past few years.
• There are hundreds of drugs and new ones continue
  to be added each year. Each drug has a profile
  with regard to its use, contra indication,
  dosage, side effects and suitability.
• Some drugs are contraindicated in kids, some are
  not advised for pregnant women.

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Why?

• You should know how to buy drugs
• See the pricing and exp date
• Always take receipt
• Take the drug and verify with your doctor
• Know about spurious and banned drugs
• Dispose unused drugs properly
• Inform drug controller in case of problems

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The making of a disease female sexual
dysfunction British Medical Journal
200332645-47 ( 4 January ) A new disorder
being identified to meet unmet needs or to build
markets for new medications? At the end of the
article author concludes----- These
revelations about female sexual dysfunction
should spark a more widespread and rigorous
investigation into the role of drug companies in
defining and promoting new diseases and
disorders.
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Blood Donation

• Know your blood group.
• If you donate blood do it with due safety.
• Dont donate blood if
• History of hepatitis.
• Currently taking hypertension medication.
• Blood pressure reading of less than 120/80.
• Under 18 years old.
• Weight less than 110 pounds.

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Why?

• Not sure what to believe when you see headlines
  like these?
• Scars May Be Cancer Predictor
• Two Drinks a Day Keep Stroke Away
• Weighing the Risk of a Diabetes Cure
• Persistent Heartburn Is a Cancer Warning Sign
• The Side Airbag Controversy
• Children Not Getting Lead Tests, Study Says
• Study High Fiber Diets Dont Cut Colon Cancer

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Why?

• There are four reasons why health care
  organisations should have a strong consumer focus
  
• Participation is an ethical and democratic
  right.
• Participation improves service quality and
  safety.
• Participation improves health outcomes.
• Participation makes services more responsive to
  the needs of consumers.

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Well informed patient?

• Better adherence (compliance)
• Improved Patient Satisfaction
• Less unnecessary visits
• Lower rates of missed appointments.
• Informed consent

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Trust

• Trust your doctor
• Dont have blind faith
• Always cross check on
• Treatment
• Drugs
• Diagnostic tests
• Surgery
• Discuss with your doctor if you have doubts