Patient information

A new study by Pfizer of more than 4,500 patients with chronic conditions in Europe and the US shows that nearly half (48 per cent) of patients in the UK are concerned they do not know enough about their disease and its treatments to confidently manage it. A similar proportion of UK patients (49 per cent) expressed concern that a lack of knowledge might be worsening their condition.

Party Response: Liberal Democrats

Paul Burstow, Liberal Democrat health spokesman, said: "It is shocking that so many patients feel they are not getting the right support to be able to take control of their own long-term illnesses.

"With over 17 million people suffering with long-term conditions it is vital that they are given the right tools and information to manage their own care. Liberal Democrats would develop a health MOT for those who need it and a personalised care plan for every patient that wants it in order to give patients control of their conditions.

"The NHS culture must change so that it fits around peoples' lives rather than forcing patients to fit their lives around the NHS."

Stakeholder Response: Pfizer

Jack Watters, Pfizer Europe vice president of medical affairs, said: "The differences in knowledge across Europe shown in the survey highlight the importance of improved information and education in the health arena. Better and more cost-effective management, as well as the prevention of diseases, is possible only if patients have access to, and a good understanding of, accurate information from reliable sources."

Stakeholder Response: Insulin Dependent Diabetes Trust

A spokesman for the IDDT said: "The survey by Pfizer provides information that should concern us all. It showed that only half of patients with these three chronic conditions feel that they have sufficient information to manage their condition but even when patients have sufficient information, then only half of them change their behaviour.

"So not only does the survey demonstrate that patients need more and better information but it also shows that having information does not necessarily produce a change in their behaviour. It is essential that along with better education programmes, patients with chronic conditions are provided with support and help to enable them to make behavioural changes.

"Not only is the provision of information important to improve the health of people with chronic conditions but it is essential if people are to make informed choices about their own treatment and the self management of their condition. The sources of such information must be reliable, accurate and uninfluenced by anything other than the patients' best interest. The involvement of pharmaceutical companies in the provision of patient education has to be a concern as they have an understandable vested interest in the promotion of their drugs."

Stakeholder Response: Beating Bowel Cancer

Hilary Whittaker, chief executive of Beating Bowel Cancer, said: "At Beating Bowel Cancer we agree that there is a lack of health information on certain conditions, especially cancer, and that charities play an important role in providing education and information to patients. By providing patients with information regarding their treatment choices, this empowers them and allows them to feel more positive and in control of their condition."