NHS Choices: a holistic approach to health information

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NHS Choices a holistic approach to health
information

• NHS European Office
• 3 March 2009

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About NHS Choices

• Website www.nhs.uk
• Funded by Department of Health
• Acts as a single front door for members of the
  public to access reliable health information
• Aims to be comprehensive, includes information
  on
• - lifestyle choices, e.g. drinking, smoking and
  diet,
• - medical conditions and treatments
• - practical aspects of finding and using NHS
  services
• Information comes from a range of sources,
  including patient comments.

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Health information vs. medical advice

• NHS Choices is a provider of health information,
  but it also acts as a gateway for access to
  medical advice
• Self-help guide provides advice on treating
  common health problems at home
• Find NHS services helps patients find local
  health providers, including what services are
  available, opening hours etc.
• NHS Direct provides email responses to
  non-urgent health queries and a 24-hour advice
  and information line staffed by health
  professionals
• Links to other providers e.g. Family Planning
  Association

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Local projects

• NHS Choices has launched a range of local
  projects
• Hull health kiosks launched at Hull rugby club,
  let members of the public test their health
  knowledge in a pub-style quiz
• Scottish country dancing introducing a few
  simple steps to demonstrate an easy way to keep
  active and socialise
• Healthy schools, healthy eating NHS Choices
  links with the National Healthy Schools Programme
  to help children at a Northamptonshire school
  choose healthier foods
• Westside radio project health clinic on local
  London radio station serving a multi-cultural,
  youth based audience

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Information about diseases/medical conditions

• NHS Choices Health A-Z includes information by
  disease/ condition, including
• Symptoms and diagnosis
• Treatment, side effects and complications
  includes general information on different types
  of medicines, but not specific products
• Causes and Prevention
• Lifestyle advice
• Experts views
• Patients stories and experiences

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Information about prescription-only medicines

• Health A-Z section for a condition also includes
  links to relevant Medicines Guide, which gives
  product-specific information including
• When and how to take a medicine
• Side effects and contra-indications
• Impacts on day-to-day activities e.g. driving
• Interactions with complementary medicines and
  vitamins
• Ingredient information, including active
  ingredients and allergy information
• Information is drawn from SPCs, translated into
  patient-friendly language by independent
  pharmacists.

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