Consumer Health Introduction and Consumer Health Issues

Healthy People 2010 Health Communication Health professional- patient relations Individuals’ exposure to, search for, and use of health information Individuals’ adherence to clinical recommendations Construction of public health messages & campaigns Dissemination of individual & population health risk information Images of health in the mass media and the culture at large Education of consumers about how to gain access to health care systems Develop telehealth applications

Healthy People 2010 Effective Health Communication Accuracy Availability Balance Consistency Cultural competence Evidence base Reach Reliability Repetition Timeliness Understandability

Healthy People in Healthy Communities Educate and empower individuals and families to adopt healthy behaviors and lifestyles Educate consumers to make informed health and health care decisions, and Build community capacity to improve health.

Issues Misleading Information Quackery and Health Fraud Problems with Products Problems with Services Problems with Costs The Need for Consumer Protection Intelligent Consumer Behavior

Issue1 Misleading Information High volume and complex Media influence Radio & TV Magazines & newspapers Functions Entertain, inform, carry advertisements and make money

Issue 2 Quackery and Health Fraud Definitions How its done Slogans & buzzwords Make people feel their in control Characteristics of Victims

Issue 3 Problems with Products Supplements Herbs Mail Order products Devices, audio & video tapes Exercise equipment

Issue 4 Problems with Services Clinical care Overprescribe Unnecessary surgery Work to fast Nutritionists & weight loss counselors “Alternative” practictioners Health facility services

Issue 5 Problems with Costs Cost of health care Waste Controlling Costs Insurance Prevention vs Health Care Effectiveness

Evaluating Health Education Programs - 2 Year Results Hypothesized Relationships Koreen Johannessen CLSW, U of Arizona. Media Presentations in Classes Awareness Weeks, Health Fairs Classes in Halls, etc. Stakeholders (Pres., VPs, Deans, Directors) Policies Knowledge Attitudes & Perceptions Behaviors Possible Relationships

Evaluating Health Education Programs - 2 Year Results Effect Size Relationships Koreen Johannessen CLSW, U of Arizona. Media Presentations in Classes Awareness Weeks, Health Fairs Classes in Halls, etc. Stakeholders (Pres., VPs, Deans, Directors) Policies Knowledge Attitudes & Perceptions Weak RelationshipsStrong Relationships - U of A and Social Norms by Haines 5 Yr Behaviors

Issue 6 Problems with Costs

Issue 7 Need for Consumer Protection Let the buyer beware Protective Forces Federal, state Accreditation Insurance Hospitals Professional organizations

Issue 7 Intelligent Consumer Behavior Seek reliable sources of information Maintain a healthy lifestyle Select practitioners with care Assess own health Active health & illness management Use scientifically substantiated health products and services Understand costs of health and illness Report fraud

Summary All aspects of the marketplace Health information The well-informed consumer