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European Patients Want More Health Information - 1 - To Better Manage Their Condition; Patients Concerned Lack of Health Information is Worsening Their Condition

Posted on: Wednesday, 12 January 2005, 03:00 CST

A major new study of patients with chronic conditions in Europe and the US shows when patients receive health information on how to manage their condition, nearly two thirds make proactive changes in their behaviour based on this information. Additionally, more than three quarters of those who change their behaviour in both the US and in Europe perceive a positive impact on their health.

The survey also revealed that more than half the patients in Europe feel they do not know enough about their disease and its treatments to confidently manage their health. Furthermore, half of Europeans are concerned their lack of knowledge might be worsening their condition.

The research, commissioned by Pfizer, was devised to explore levels of health information received by patients suffering from three chronic diseases - asthma, adult onset (type 2) diabetes and heart disease. The survey, conducted between June and September 2004, gathered the views and experiences of 4,500 patients from eight European countries (Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, UK) and the US.

Commenting on the issue of patient information, Baroness Sally Greengross, Co-Chair of the Alliance for Health and the Future: "Without question, both patients and the public at large are becoming more interested in, and more knowledgeable about health matters - shown clearly by the numbers of hits across the world on health websites. A more informed population should be celebrated and further encouraged because as this survey shows, when patients receive information on their condition, a high percentage of them change their behaviour leading to a positive impact on health."

Inconsistent health knowledge across Europe

The survey also established the knowledge levels of all respondents by testing their awareness of basic facts that they might be expected to know about their condition in order to effectively manage it.

On the whole, across all three disease areas, US patients displayed greater knowledge of their conditions. For example, just 3% of European heart disease patients displayed an "excellent" knowledge of their condition versus 19% of US respondents.

Additionally, there are significant differences in knowledge levels across countries within Europe. For example, 43% of UK diabetes patients displayed "excellent" knowledge of their condition, which was significantly higher than Italy (23%), Germany (17%), Spain (15%) and Poland (4%). Similarly, significantly more UK respondents with asthma showed "excellent" knowledge of their condition than e.g. Poland. Surprisingly, high proportions of respondents from many European countries displayed 'poor' knowledge of heart disease, including Spain (92%), Italy (87%), and France (81%).

Jack Watters, Pfizer Europe/Canada Vice President of Medical Affairs commented, "These differences in knowledge across Europe shown in the survey highlight the importance of improved information and education in the health arena. Better and more cost-effective management, as well as the prevention of diseases, is possible only if patients have access to, and a good understanding of, accurate information from reliable sources."

To obtain health information European patients use a wide number of sources including pharmacists, newspapers, TV and radio, books on health and the internet, but across both Europe and the US, 90% of respondents continue to use doctors and nurses as their main source of health information.

Simon O'Neill, Director of Care and Policy, Diabetes UK - with over 170 000 members Britain's largest organization working for people with diabetes - commented, "People with diabetes may only see their healthcare professional for a few hours a year, yet they have to manage their own condition every day. Patient education must be a priority. This survey indicates that the majority of people act on the education they receive and achieve positive health benefits. However, the survey also highlights concern about the lack of information available. This must be addressed so all people with diabetes have accurate, up to date knowledge on their condition."

(1) Information specific to the condition of the patient received from doctors/nurses, newspapers/magazines, pharmacists, books on health, television/radio, family & friends, internet, spouse/partner, patient support/advocacy group, other sources.

Source: Business Wire

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