How To Be A Healthy And Educated Consumer

Sometimes consumers are left feeling uncertain about what to believe, especially when the media reports inaccurate or incomplete information related to public health issues. At other times, the news media plays a critical role by contributing to the public's awareness of new developments or certain problems involving health care. Being a well-informed consumer could help to improve your quality of life. Choosing the right medical treatment is often a decision an individual makes based on a number of different factors including her knowledge of a medical condition or disease process.

Step 1

Consider the source of the information. Just because the results of a study are reported in the news does not necessarily make the data true or objective. While some reports may be biased, the goal of a study conducted by researchers at a major medical school is to develop awareness about a new finding or argue a previously established belief. Studies published in peer-reviewed medical or academic journals tend to be more credible.

Step 2

Look at who funded the research associated with a particular health product or service. Research funded by government agencies is usually more reliable than that funded by a private corporation. The government only funds the best proposals for studies conducted by researchers having a high level of training and expertise in a particular field.

Step 3

Take into account whether the data being reported was collected from a survey, an opinion poll, a case history or a scientifically designed, controlled study. How many participants are in a clinical trial is another factor to consider. Studies that include a larger sample size provide more reliable results.

Step 4

Keep up to date on any changes that occur with a health product or service. An informed consumer asks lots of questions to familiarize himself with a product or service. Think about how a product or service may actually be able to help you. Assess whether the findings of a medical or scientific study support data that are statistically significant, or simply are being reported as sensational.

Step 5

Assume an assertive initiative when it comes to your health. A 2008 report published by the Employee Benefit Research Institute shows that with individual health plan members becoming increasingly responsible for more of their health care costs, consumer education is focusing more on consumer values.