Health in Belgium: A new campaign to better understand your doctor
The Federal Public Service (FPS) Public Health is preparing to launch a new national campaign in Belgium. The main objective of this initiative is to improve citizens' "health literacy." This term refers to a person's ability to find, understand, and use medical information to make decisions regarding their own health.
This campaign is based on a recognized international method called "Ask Me 3." It encourages patients to ask three essential questions during every consultation with a healthcare professional: "What is my main problem?", "What do I need to do?", and "Why is it important for me?"
In Belgium, many patients sometimes find it difficult to understand doctors' technical explanations or medication instructions. Medical jargon can be an obstacle to proper treatment. Through this simple method, the government aims to facilitate communication between caregivers and patients to avoid misunderstandings.
The campaign will soon be visible throughout the country, notably through posters and brochures in hospitals and medical practices. By strengthening citizens' confidence, the authorities hope that every Belgian will be able to become a more autonomous and better-informed participant in their own daily health.