Public Health: a new campaign to better understand your care
The Federal Public Service (FPS) Health has announced the upcoming launch of a major national campaign. The objective is to improve the "health literacy" of Belgian citizens, that is to say, their ability to find, understand, and use the information necessary to make decisions regarding their well-being.
At the heart of this initiative is the "Ask Me 3" method. This simple technique encourages patients to ask their doctor or healthcare professional three essential questions during every consultation. This approach aims to reduce misunderstandings and strengthen trust between the patient and the medical profession.
The three key questions that patients are invited to ask are: "What is my main problem?", "What do I need to do to treat it?", and "Why is it important for me to do this?". By using these questions, the FPS hopes that citizens will be better informed and more autonomous in their care journey.
This campaign addresses a real need, as a better understanding of medical information helps to avoid treatment errors and improve the effectiveness of care. The FPS Health thus wishes to make the healthcare system more accessible to all the country's inhabitants.
In the coming weeks, communication tools will be deployed in hospitals and medical practices throughout Belgium. This initiative marks an additional step in the authorities' desire to place the patient at the center of the healthcare system.