1. Consumer Healthcare Education By Prof. Sumant Goel

2. WHO ? • Who is be most concerned about your HEALTH…….. YOU

3. 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.

4. 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

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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

14. 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 roleof drug companies in defining and promoting new diseases anddisorders.

16. Blood Donation • 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.

17. 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 Don’t Cut Colon Cancer

18. 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.

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

20. Trust • Trust your doctor • Don’t have blind faith • Always cross check on • Treatment • Drugs • Diagnostic tests • Surgery • Discuss with your doctor if you have doubts