Help patients assess health-related news
NCOA asks CMs to share tips with consumers
Reporters often fail to paint an accurate picture of medical studies they report in the news, according to a recent media audit by researchers at Columbia University in New York City. Yet, a survey by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) in Washington, DC, of more than 1,000 middle-age women found that 81% are satisfied that health reporting is accurate and informative. (See story, p. 194, for more on the two studies.)
"A complete news story about new medical research should include information about the sample size in the study, whether the subjects were humans or animals, how variables were controlled, who funded the study, and a discussion of any practical applications of the findings," says Steve Ross, PhD, associate professor and director of the science and health writing program at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.
To help consumers put medical news reports into clearer perspective, NCOA has developed a checklist for evaluating medical news and suggestions for making better use of doctor’s appointments. NCOA suggests that case managers share these guidelines with patients to help them better assess the accuracy and value of the medical news they receive.
Consumer Checklist for Evaluating Medical News
1. Who said it? Know the source of the study.
2. Does the account of the study include the perspective of or refute previous research on the same subject?
3. Does the news apply to you? Be able to relate scientific reports to your own health profile.
4. Learn about different types of studies and basic medical terms. Whether it is an epidemiological study (which measures the association between a given exposure and the risk of developing a disease) or clinical trial (which studies a certain test treatment) can make a difference.
5. Understand the design of the study. Does the study include a control or comparison group? Sound research includes a basis for comparison between variables.
6. Do the study conclusions demonstrate an association between two factors, or do they actually show a cause-and-effect relationship?
7. Consider how many people and the type of people in the study. Some experts believe the best research uses at least 50 subjects.
8. Evaluate how much of a substance was tested or caused a certain result. Imagine, for instance, a study showing that eating 35 apples per day decreased the risk of cancer. Is that a realistic diet?
9. Contact your doctor or other health professional to ask questions or get follow-up information. Investigate third-party groups that may provide additional information.
How to Make the Most of Your Doctor Visit
1. Take along a list of questions or concerns you may have about any health problems, current medical conditions, testing and screening schedules, and new therapies.
2. Ask the doctor to help you evaluate your personal risk for diseases based on your medical history, family history, lifestyle, and other factors.
3. Ask about the effects diet and exercise have on your medical condition or on risk for disease.
4. Take notes during the visit.
5. If your doctor can’t answer all of your questions, research other sources of reliable information.
6. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your medications to make sure you understand their risks, benefits, side effects, and possible interactions with other drugs or with food.
(Editor’s note: A summary of the media audit and consumer survey, along with the checklists, is available at www.womenshealth-aging.org, a women’s health Web site operated by NCOA.)
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