Health: A new national campaign to improve communication with doctors
The FPS Public Health is preparing to launch a vast national campaign in Belgium. The main objective is to improve "health literacy," that is to say, the ability of every citizen to understand medical information in order to make informed decisions regarding their own health.
At the heart of this initiative is the "Ask Me 3" method. This simple approach encourages patients to ask their doctor or healthcare professional three essential questions during every consultation. These questions allow for a better understanding of one's health status and the proposed treatments.
The three recommended questions are: "What is my main problem?", "What do I need to do to take care of myself?", and "Why is it important for me to do this?". By using these tools, the authorities hope to reduce misunderstandings and strengthen trust between patients and medical staff.
This campaign is a direct response to communication challenges in the current healthcare system. A better understanding of medical advice not only improves adherence to treatments but also makes patients more autonomous regarding their daily health.
Belgian health authorities hope that this initiative will facilitate dialogue in medical practices and hospitals across the country. The campaign will soon be visible through various communication channels to raise awareness among as many Belgian citizens as possible.