In order to understand the
needs and desires of consumers
when suffering and treating
minor ailments two research
programmes were undertaken;
a nationwide quantitative
study on health and a qualitative
attitudinal survey. Below
are the results highlights
91% of adults suffer at
least one minor ailment
over a two week period -
the average number of ailments
suffered by adults is five.
Common colds and headaches
are the most widely reported
of ailments.
10% of these common ailments
are reported to the GP,
resulting in 96 million
consultations, 63 million
prescriptions - 14% of all
NHS prescriptions. A huge
work load for the GP when
the expertise is available
at the pharmacy.
86% of consumers agree
that the chemist is a good
source of advice /information
about minor medical problems.
Six out of ten people feel
that people should use pharmacists
for advice on minor ailments
more often, the doctor less
often.
Consumers are more willing
and interested now to manage
minor episodes of ill-health
One of the biggest barriers
to self-treatment expressed
was the lack of sufficient
knowledge, particularly
in terms of diagnosing the
problem. Reassurance was
found in detailed advice.
Consumers find advice
from the media and health
care professionals particularly
useful. Eight out of ten
consumers will look for
professional medical advice
if they are at all unsure
about a problem.
Once a course of action
has been taken consumers
will tend to repeat it.
This is particularly true
when consumers visit GP
and receive a prescription.
Consumers wanted reasoned
explanations and actionable
advice. Messages of encouragement
to self treat from Government
were likely to be mistrusted,
with people feeling that
access to the NHS was being
denied. Messages from a
cross section of representatives
of health professions and
consumers were more likely
to be well-regarded.
Notes for editors
These key points are taken
from two studies:
Consumer study of self-medication
in Great Britain, BRMB International,
May 1997.
Consumer perspectives
of OTCs and self-medication,
Expressions Planning, June
1997.
For further information please contact:
Karen Kelshaw Consumer Health Information Centre
tel: 020 7421 9314
fax: 020 7421 9317
email: karen.kelshaw@pagb.co.uk
Pam Prentice Doctor Patient Partnership
tel: 020 7383 6144
out of office hours: 0780 3399826
email: pprentice@bma.org.uk
Marianne Smith Doctor Patient Partnership
tel 020 7383 6828
fax: 020 7383 6966
email: msmith@bma.org.uk
