image map-use text links at bottom of page Link to tutorial 1 Link to tutorial 2 Link to tutorial 3
image map-use text links at bottom of page Next step in tutorial Next step in tutorial Next step in tutorial Next step in tutorial Next step in tutorial Next step in tutorial Next step in tutorial Next step in tutorial Next step in tutorial Next step in tutorial blue line graphic


Tutorial 2—It's Your Health

Consumer health information

Consumer health information is "any information that enables individuals to understand their health and make health-related decisions for themselves or their families." (Patrick and Koss, 1995 [http://nnlm.gov/train/chi/sws.html])

An important point: consumer health information does not equal patient education.

Consumer health information

  • Involves general health and wellness issues or treatment options
  • Is consumer-driven
  • Is sought for personal use or on behalf of family members or friends

Patient education

  • Involves medical instructions or information given to a patient
  • Is initiated by a doctor, nurse, or another health professional
  • Is prescribed for the purpose of changing behavior and improving health

Graphic of arrowPrevious page

Continue TutorialGraphic of arrow

[Tutorial Mainpage] | [HealthInfoIowa Mainpage]
blue line graphic

Copyright © 2001 Iowa Consumer Health Project
Disclaimer and Privacy Statement

HealthInfoIowa, a consumer health information resource from
the State Library of Iowa,is funded by the National Library of Medicine
under contract NO1-LM-6-3523 with the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Updated: 30 July 2001