Joint Statement by Six Organizations To Help You Accurately Understand Information on Health, Medical Care, and Pharmaceuticals
March 28, 2018
Today, we live amid a vast flood of information. It is not easy to identify and make use of the accurate information that is truly useful to each individual from among this deluge.
In particular, accurately understanding information related to health, medical care, and pharmaceuticals inevitably requires basic knowledge of the relevant fields and advice from experts. For the general public, discerning and selecting accurate information is extremely difficult.
Healthcare inevitably involves a degree of uncertainty. Furthermore, no matter how effective a medication may be, there is always a risk of side effects. Within these limitations of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, medical professionals work alongside patients, always keeping the patients’ best interests in mind.
In recent years, we have increasingly encountered exaggerated claims about risks and benefits, as well as information lacking scientific basis. Although optimal medical care varies from person to person, various media outlets use definitive language—such as “You should not take this medication” or “You should not undergo this surgery”—as if these were universal truths.
We, who are dedicated to our daily work and activities with the hope that all patients will regain their health as soon as possible, have serious concerns and fears regarding this current situation.In other words, because every patient’s condition is unique, we take into account factors such as gender, age, the severity of the illness, its cause, the patient’s environment, and medical history. We listen carefully to the patient’s concerns and engage in thorough discussions, with doctors, pharmacists, and the entire healthcare team working together to provide treatment.
It would be deeply regrettable if the efforts of these medical professionals were undermined by information that fails to take this “individuality” of medical care into account or by overly simplified expressions. We also believe that patients themselves stand to lose a great deal.
Although our positions and approaches may differ, our group consists of individuals who practice or resonate with the principle set forth in the World Medical Association’s Declaration of Helsinki: “In the provision of medical care, physicians shall act in the best interests of the patient.”We, the six organizations, have considered what we can do for patients at this time and hereby issue this declaration and appeal.
Declaration and Appeal
1. We will work to promote and raise awareness of basic knowledge regarding medical care and pharmaceuticals
To prevent patients suffering from illness from being misled by unscientific or extreme information and falling into unexpected situations, we will collaborate to create materials that enable the acquisition of a broad range of basic knowledge—from how to interpret information to the uncertainties and individuality inherent in medical care.
We will encourage the use of these materials at public lectures held during events and academic conferences organized by relevant organizations, as well as at various events hosted by local governments, and will continue our public awareness efforts. By also utilizing existing systems and materials, such as certification exams, we aim to ultimately support individuals in selecting treatment plans suited to their symptoms and conditions in collaboration with healthcare professionals and in deepening their understanding.
2. We are committed to fostering a shared understanding among stakeholders in the medical and pharmaceutical fields
While continuing to support educational institutions, we will organize and facilitate forums—such as opinion-sharing sessions with the media—to deepen mutual understanding among stakeholders in the medical and pharmaceutical fields and to foster better communication.
Furthermore, to prevent the proliferation of scientifically inaccurate information, when we encounter information that cannot be overlooked—whether from relevant government agencies, academic societies, or medical associations—we will promptly share it with relevant parties to improve the quality of information, while also issuing public alerts to the general public.
3. We recommend consulting with medical professionals
Primary Care Physician: Doctors are always considering the best treatment tailored to each patient’s individual symptoms. Please feel free to consult your primary care physician at any time about any health concerns, no matter how minor they may seem. In addition to routine care, they will refer you to specialized medical institutions when necessary. We strongly encourage you to have a trusted primary care physician whom you can rely on before making decisions based solely on your own judgment.
Your Regular Pharmacist: In addition to providing information and answering patients’ questions about medications and health, pharmacists—as medication experts—are always available to support you in ensuring safe and reliable medication therapy. They manage and coordinate each patient’s medication regimen and will make inquiries or offer suggestions as needed. Please rely on your regular pharmacist before making decisions based solely on your own judgment.
Review Committee Members
Chairperson
Satoshi Imamura, Vice President, Japan Medical Association (Public Interest Incorporated Association)
Yasunori Tajiri, Vice President, Japan Pharmacists Association (Public Interest Incorporated Association)
Yoko Hattori, Chair of the PMS Subcommittee, Drug Evaluation Committee, Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association
Nakamasa Mizumaki, President, NPO Japan Medical Journalists Association
Ikuko Yamaguchi, President, Certified NPO Sasaeai Medical Professionals
Tatsuo Kurokawa, Chairman, General Incorporated Association for the Proper Use of Medicines