Consumer health information

Good eating habits are part of promoting health and wellness Are you interested in contributing to HLWIKI International — hlwiki.ca? contact: dean.giustini@ubc.ca To browse other articles on a range of HSL topics, see the A-Z index. Last Update 12 May 2013 Introduction See also Bibliotherapy | EBooks | Finding health information for British Columbians | Information prescriptions | MedlinePlus (U.S.) | Patient education Consumer health information is health information created and tailored for general consumers and patient audiences. Its sole purpose is to provide clear, straightforward information and facts for consumers. Unlike patient education, which is specifically intended to explain exams, tests and treatments to patients and their families, CHI aims to raise awareness of health and wellness issues among consumers. CHI is provided to consumers without much (or any) interpretation by health providers (or librarians, for that matter). In using an array of websites, consumers are often directed to MedlinePlus at the US National Library of Medicine, one of the few CHI sites that is truly well-curated and reliable. Health consumers are distinguished from patients in that they do not necessarily seek information based on a specific complaint, or illness. CHI is often sought to increase one's overall well-being and health literacy skills. CHI may also focus on health promotion and how to navigate the health care system successfully. CHI is found in a number of media including social media. CHI has grown over the past two decades, and its growth parallels to some extent the rise of the Internet and consumer lobbying groups and their advocacy. From its earliest start in hospitals, CHI has grown into an important service component in many hospitals and health libraries, though not all. CHI can comprise opposite ends of the information spectrum from easy-to-read materials on one side to research on the other. Due to the speed of the Internet and media communications, health consumers are confronted daily with a barrage of clinical information and medical evidence. Some well-conducted studies show that the provision of accurate CHI is important in reducing patients' anxieties about treatment and in enhancing their overall compliance and consent. Adequate access to CHI is recognized as a major factor in monitoring one's own health. CHI is found in health food stores, bookstores, physicians' offices and libraries. Due to its clear, non-technical language, CHI may refer to information about medical tests, procedures or drugs. Some people view CHI as a type of information therapy and seek the valid reliable information on sites such as MedlinePlus (U.S.). See "Answering health & medical reference questions: an introduction for information professionals", ppts and handout Searching for health information by consumers See also Evaluating health information | Men's Health Pathfinders | Women's Health Pathfinders According to the Pew Internet Report, ~80% (93 million Americans) regularly search for one of 16 major health topics. Looking for health 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 Evidence-based CHI Best Health (formerly Best Treatments) - http://besthealth.bmj.com/btuk/home.jsp Building Collections - http://colldev.mlanet.org/resources/professional_resources.htm Consumer Health Information Specialization Program - http://www.mlanet.org/education/chc/ Cochrane Consumer Health Network - http://www.cochrane.org/consumers/homepage.htm European Directory of Health Apps 2012-2013: a review by patient groups and empowered consumers Informed Health Online - http://www.informedhealthonline.com/ MedlinePlus (U.S.) - http://medlineplus.gov (consumer health website of the NLM with multimedia content for patients and their families) NOAH: Understanding and Using Medical Information (Evidence-based Medicine) - http://www.noah-health.org/en/ebm/index.html UpToDate: Patient Information - http://www.uptodate.com/patients/about/toc.do?full_url_key=true&tocKey=table_of_contents/patient_information Social media in consumer health See Consumer health 2.0 & Health 2.0 References Alpi KM, Bibel BM. 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Mediating health information: the go-betweens in a changing socio-technical landscape. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008. Young JS. Online resources for culturally and linguistically appropriate services in home healthcare and hospice, part 2: resources for asian patients. Home Healthc Nurse. 2012 Apr;30(4):225–32. Disclaimer Disclaimer: The HLWIKI International Advisory makes consumer health information (CHI) available to all -- however, it is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or as a substitute for consulting a doctor. While we strive to keep all content current and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability of information, products, services, or related graphics contained here or on any of the websites listed. Only qualified health providers can provide health care e.g., they will take your health history, examine you, and bring their expertise and experience to bear on evaluating you. Put simply, advice regarding your care should always include your physician and other health providers. Please ask your local health librarian for further assistance.