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NEWS: Drug companies want to inform patients BMJ 2003; 326: 1286-a [Full text]

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we all have bits of the jigsaw

susanne stevens, n/a   (14 June 2003)

Patients as healthcare consumers

Fernando F Garcia-Abril   (18 June 2003)

we all have bits of the jigsaw 14 June 2003
susanne stevens, retired cardiff cf24 3pf, n/a Send response to journal: Re: we all have bits of the jigsaw	Quote from Cardiff GP 'if I told my patients what the side effects of drugs might be - they would never take them' Another from a partner in the same practice in response to woman who had declined use of HRT after researching the pros and cons in her particular case (in irritated voice )'we like woman to take HRT here'. That was the level of discussion and information giving in the 21st century. In another quite deprived area of Cardiff another GP made fun of people who come into the surgery with information from the net etc and stated that thank goodness in his part of the city people leave decisions to doctors and just do as they are advised. There is still a long way to go but it does not all depend on whether the person is highly educated. Many of those who live in deprived circumstances have learned thay need to be tough, assertive advocates for themselves and others, many have formed self help and action groups and take part in consultation excercises which inform policies in the area. It is vital that no group is stereotyped so an extent that they are deemed to need others to speak for them. Where there is a will for inclusion a way can be found with the help of drug companies which have the funding, expertise and knowledge about drugs as well as other partners. Competing interests:   None declared
Patients as healthcare consumers 18 June 2003
Fernando F Garcia-Abril, Medical Adviser Madrid, Spain Send response to journal: Re: Patients as healthcare consumers	Patients have always tried to obtain information on their condition. The difference is the number of sources available nowadays. They can easily browse the internet and get extensive information from uncertified sites. It will be in the best interest of patients to build sites with accredited information with the help of the industry. It is a matter of accepting that we are already in the 21st century! Competing interests:   Worked for MSD and Schering