Consumer health information

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Introduction

See also Bibliotherapy | Finding health information for British Columbians | Information therapy | Patient education

Consumer health information is used to describe the provision of health or medical information to consumers. Due to its clear, non-technical language, CHI also refers to information about medical procedures, prescription drugs and the health system itself. CHI focuses the consumer on issues of health prevention and promotion, and on navigating efficiently through the health care system. Found in pharmacies, health food stores, bookstores, physicians' offices, and libraries, consumer health information is a form of information therapy. CHI has grown tremendously in the last two decades, and to some extent mirrors the rise of the web. From its early start in hospital and public libraries across the United States, CHI has grown into a large and extremely important part of the professional work of health librarians. However, it must be said that consumer health information is more about providing information about health and wellness than about specific diseases. Studies show accurate information is critical in reducing patient anxiety and in enhancing compliance with treatment protocols. Adequate provision of CHI, therefore, is recognized as a major factor in patient empowerment. One of the best-known consumer health sites is MedlinePlus (U.S.).

For more detail, see "Answering health & medical reference questions: an introduction for information professionals" see these ppts and handout

Searching for health information by consumers

According to the Pew Internet Report, ~80% (93 million Americans) search for one of 16 major health topics on a regular basis. Looking for health or medical information is one of the most popular online activities after checking email (93%) and researching products before buying them (83%). Some of these statistics are duplicated in the Canadian context. Every day in North America, more than six (6) million citizens go online to locate health and medical information; more and more resort to searching online for information when they need advice or a visit to a doctor (according to data provided by the American Medical Association). Only one quarter of health information seekers follow recommended protocols on checking their sources and the timeliness of information they are reading. All consumers should be more vigilant about verifying health information when they search for it online.

The Consumers' Association of Canada states that health consumers have the right to:

• Be well-informed
• Access consumer education
• Participate in decision-making affecting their health
• Be respected as individuals with a major responsibility for their own health care
• Equal access to health care regardless of the individual's economic status, sex, age, creed, ethnic origin and location

Taken from Policy on Consumers of Health Care, p11, Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada November 2001