Well informed patients make evidence-based decisions

The campaign ran  from mid-October 2003 through February 2004 and appeared in national magazines such as People, Oprah, Better Homes and Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Parade and TV Guide.  The campaign featured animated banner ads on Web sites such as ABCNews.com and Parents.com.  The ads stimulated  consumers to make  health care decisions that are more informed and more evidence-based.

The educational messages focus around three important themes.  The first theme, Getting the Most Out of a Visit to the Doctor’s Office, included helpful tips encouraging patients to make their office visits positive and productive.  Taking Charge of Your Care offered tips to get the most out of health care.  A third theme called Using Antibiotics Appropriately addressed common misunderstandings about antibiotic drugs. 

The United Health Foundation provides evidence-based health information that helps individuals and communities lead healthier lives.  Non-profit organizations, employers, schools and libraries are encouraged to use the educational campaigns for their health improvement activities.  Free distribution of the ads is available through the Foundation Web site at  www.unitedhealthfoundation.org.