Informed patient consent with consistent governance
As an experienced NHS patient and patient representative, I believe that there is a proliferation of unconfirmed generic and commercial information which tends to obfuscate rather than inform the end-user. If patients are to provide informed consent to the acceptance of doctors' suggested alternative medication, we require access to transparent information subject to appropriately authorized governance. Information provided should be identified as to sources and degree of validation confirmed by peer review and access to a glossary of technical terms would also be of value to the non-health-professionals.
Why the contribution is important
More comprehensive communication between patients and all members of the health professional team, including pharmacists, would provide an adjunct to improving the quality and cost effectiveness of the provision of health care delivery.