1. European Health Forum Gastein 7 October 2004 – Lunch Workshop L1 “Towards a health competent consumer: policy action for improved health information” Anne Papin-di Pompéo J&J, GA Brussels

2. Objectives: to contribute to improve health communication and patient information to press for more favourable health communication policies to implement patient information programmes

3. J&J Centre will: become player in the EU policy debate help to shape policies help improve health outcomes provide a resource centre for all stakeholders

4. Building partnerships with key stakeholders e.g.: With academia (Cambridge University Health and Oxford University) With patients (European Patients Forum) With the health professionals (International Council of Nurses, World Health Professionals Alliance) With the Centre of Health & Ethics in Society (CHES) based at the Madariaga European Foundation Etc.

5. Activities: Contributing to stakeholders’ dialogue (e.g. Public-Private Partnerships) Contributing to policy development Coordinating health information/communication activities

6. Planned for 2004: EU framework for action on health information Patient Talk articles promoting health understanding Exploration of a European ‘Ask About Health’ Week Input in EU Public/Private Partnership initiative Health portal

7. Today’s workshop: Health information: the patients’ perspective Mr. Rodney Elgie, European Patients Forum Health information: the scope for EU level action Ms. Christine Marking, Centre of Health & Ethics in Society (CHES) The involved Patient: an EU Framework for action Mr. Peter Singleton, Cambridge University Health Open discussion: comments and suggestions from the audience