Transcript Consumer Healthcare Education Network

Consumer
Healthcare
Education
By Prof. Sumant Goel
WHO ?
• Who is be most
concerned about your
HEALTH……..
YOU
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.
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
Sometimes information therapy can
help solve your Health problems
even before you begin Medical
therapy.
Why?
• Because of specialization and
superspecialisation patient’s
often seen as different organs
rather than as a whole
individual.
• You should know about
different specialists and their
qualifications and competence.
• Quacks ? beware.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The making of a disease: female sexual dysfunction
British Medical Journal 2003;326:45-47 ( 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.
Blood Donation
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Know your blood group.
If you donate blood do it with due
safety.
Don’t 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.
Why?
Not sure what to believe when you see
headlines like these?
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“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 Don’t Cut Colon
Cancer
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.
Well informed patient?
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Better adherence (compliance)
Improved Patient Satisfaction
Less unnecessary visits
Lower rates of missed appointments.
Informed consent
Trust
• Trust your doctor
• Don’t have blind faith
• Always cross check on
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Treatment
Drugs
Diagnostic tests
Surgery
• Discuss with your doctor if you have doubts