It's no secret that millions of us are more involved in our own health care decisions--whether we want to be or not. We may be looking for the latest advance that might give us an edge in survival; looking for complementary treatments to help a chronic condition; investigating whether a treatment recommendation is good medicine or cost-cutting; studying to understand what the doctor told us in our allotted ten- minute visit; or trying to understand if a media story or pharmaceutical ad applies to our situation.

However, we're starting our search without much context of what we're looking for or understanding of how we might make best use of the array of resources. Making Informed Medical Decisions illuminates the process. Its subject matter includes:

• Tips for researching for someone else
• Reading a journal article (and understanding what it says)
• Making practical sense of statistics and risk
• Understanding variations and advances in standard treatment options
• Exploring complementary treatments
• Locating a likely clinical trial
• Making a powerful ally of your doctor
• Determining your own best course

Authors Oster, Thomas, and Joseff offer the shared viewpoints of patient advocate, medical librarian, and medical doctor--each of whom is dedicated to teaching and empowering. Stories from dozens of patients and family members looking for their own answers are included.

 
Foreword 
Preface 
1. Preparing for Research

      Reasons to research 

      Asking your doctor for information 

      Communicating effectively 

      Understanding your diagnosis 

      Prioritizing your research 

      Identifying your range of options 

      Getting to know your medical team 

      Knowing your own interests and limitations 

      Managing your time and resources 
2. Knowing Your Rights

      Your right to participate 

      Informed consent 

      Medical records 

      The pragmatic health consumer 
3. Helping a Friend or Family Member

      Talking with the patient 

      Determining your role 

      Forming a partnership 

      Talking with the doctor 

      Accessing patient records 

      Medical genealogy 
4. Identifying Information Resources

      Range of resources 

      Medical textbooks 

      Medical journals, peer-reviewed 

      Non-reviewed medical journals 

      Physician guidelines 

      Consumer health books 

      Consumer health magazines 

      Medical newsletters 

      Pamphlets and booklets 

      Programs and abstracts 

      Audiotapes and videotapes 

      Computer databases and CD-ROMs 

      News reports 
5. Gaining Access to Information Resources

      Libraries 

      Bookstores 

      Government agencies 

      Professional associations 

      Nonprofit organizations 

      Patient resource centers 

      Medical research centers 

      Medical product manufacturers 

      The Internet and electronic subscription services 
6. Effective Search Strategies

      Things to consider before you begin 

      Research tools and scenarios 

      Ways a librarian can help 

      Hiring a professional researcher 
7. Understanding Standard Treatment Options

      Defining standard treatments 

      How doctors select and recommend treatments 

      Your own research 

      Locating and contacting experts 

      Reading guidelines that doctors use 

      Clinical practice guidelines 

      Clinical pathways 

      Evidence-based medicine 

      Standard treatmentschange constantly 

      Identifying your own comfort level 
8. Researching Clinical Trials

      What is a clinical trial? 

      Who designs a clinical trial and why? 

      Why research clinical trials? 

      Are clinical trials safe? 

      How is a clinical trial structured? 

      Issues to consider 

      List of questions to ask about the trial 

      How to find clinical trials 

      Drugs and trials overseas 
9. Complementary and Alternative Therapies

      Defining CAM therapies 

      Taking a new look at complementary and alternative therapies 

      Considering an alternative or complementary therapy 

      Concerns about complementary and alternative treatments 

      Evaluating complementary and alternative therapies 

      Talking with your doctor 

      Expenses and insurance coverage 

      Where to look for reliable information 
10. Support: Learning from Others

      Benefits of social networks 

      The human perspective 

      What kind of support do you want? 

      Personal contacts 

      Consulting counselors 

      Accessing spiritual counselors 

      Support groups 

      Other healing group activities 

      Online support groups 

      Friends for support 

      Obtaining and giving assistance 

      Why find support? 
11. Evaluating and Using Statistics

      Why you should be familiar with statistics 

      Misperceptions of risk 

      Medical tests 

      How disease rates are measured 

      Risk calculation 

      Using statistics to evaluate treatment options 

      Reading a medical research paper 

      What statistics can and cannot tell you 
12. Reviewing Information with Your Doctor

      Elements of a working relationship 

      The doctor's role and contribution 

      Your role and contribution 

      Preparing for your appointment 

      Exchanging information with your doctor 

      Creating a plan of action 

      Handling potential problems 
13. Making Your Decision

      Difficulties of medical decisions 

      Components of a medical decision 

      Decision, choice, and responsibility 

      Arranging for others to carry out your decisions 
A. Patient Questionnaire
B. Resources
Glossary 
Notes 
Index