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Recommendation concerning the patient as an active participant in his own treatment – Rada Europy rekomendacja No. R (80) 4


  1. Health policy
    1. In accordance with the policy of the World Health Organisation, it is recommended to set new priorities especially in research, in organisation and in structures, so as to give primary health care precedence over investment in hospital medicine.
    2. In this respect, a larger share of financial resources should be allocated to health care programmes which encourage patient participation.
    3. The change from compliance to co-operation has to be stimulated according to two models: the relationship between the patient and the professional has to be a reciprocal one based on partnership both in the highly technically developed countries and others; in addition, in the latter, the infrastructural organisation has to be emphasised in order to develop health education and awareness and a dynamic approach to the active participation of people in health protection and of patients in their treatment.
  2. Health education and information
    1. Permanent and systematic health education programmes should be set up to encourage the active participation of people in health protection. A responsible use of the mass media should be seen as an important means to modify peoples' attitudes to health services and make them change from a passive attitude to participation.
  3. Patient associations
    1. Recognised patient associations should be encouraged and stimulated at national, regional and local levels, and measures to support these financially or in kind should be examined.
  4. Prevention and primary health care
    1. The following measures are recommended:
      • education of young people should include preventive and psychological aspects of health care;
      • self-examination (when proved effective in the diagnostic and therapeutic phase);
      • self-care and self-cure in the case of minor diseases and first aid.
      • In respect primary health care should be fostered as it is easier for the patient to become an active co-operating partner in general practice treatment.
    2. Home care, given not only by professionals but also by non-professionals in the family and neighbourhood, should be promoted, especially for the increasing number of elderly, chronically ill and handicapped people.