Consumer Health Re-elected To Board Of
National Council On Patient Information And Education

Washington, DC - Consumer Health Information Corporation, a privately-owned, full-service company specializing in consumer education and patient compliance programs, has been re-elected to the Board of the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) for a second term (2001-2003).

Consumer Health Information was founded in 1983 by Dr. Dorothy L. Smith, an internationally-recognized consumer advocate, author, and expert in patient compliance with medications. Clients include consumer organizations and publications, major pharmaceutical companies, Fortune 500 companies, managed care groups, insurance companies, and pharmacies.

The broad range of print and audiovisual programs developed by Dr. Smith's company are based upon proven patient education principles, many of which she was instrumental in establishing. Each program must pass rigorous tests for medical accuracy as well as patient understanding before it is given the unique Consumer Health "Seal of Approval."

The company's programs have won numerous honors, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards in the National Health Information Awards competition, and Finalist in Education/Public Service in The Globals International Healthcare Communications competition including entries from 31 countries.

NCPIE is a nonprofit coalition of organizations committed to stimulating and improving communication of information on the appropriate use of medicines to consumers and health professionals. It was created in 1982, and its 250 members include: physicians, pharmacists, nurses, physician assistants and other health care professionals; pharmaceutical research and manufacturer companies; consumer/patient advocacy groups; managed care organizations; health-related trade organizations; database-patient information vendors; public relations firms; device manufacturers; and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"Consumer Health Information Corporation looks forward to working with NCPIE in bridging the communications gap that too often exists between consumers and their health care providers," Dr. Smith said.

Her organization brings to NCPIE the conviction that consumers hold the key to controlling many of the health care costs associated with prescription drug therapies, Dr. Smith continued, "This country spends more than $100 billion each year on medical complications, employee absenteeism, and decreased productivity arising from unwise decisions consumers make during the course of their drug treatment," she said.

"Medicines are cost-effective only when patients have the information they need to make wise decisions while taking them," Dr. Smith added. "One of the best ways to accomplish this is through educational programs that are written in language the patient can understand. We believe that a consumer who understands how to administer and manage a medication correctly will lead to decreased health care costs and increased quality of life."

Consumer Health Information Corporation is also a teaching site for Doctor of Pharmacy candidates. It offers a specialized clerkship in drug information/patient education and summer internship for pharmacy students who are interested in development of patient/consumer education programs and publishing.

Dr. Smith has an extensive academic and clinical pharmacy background, and was one of the first health professionals to recognize the need for materials which translate medical terminology about medications into language patients and consumers can understand.

She has written 23 books that provide consumers with advice on how to use prescription and nonprescription medications effectively, and has appeared on hundreds of television and radio programs across the country to increase consumer awareness of their important role in medication therapy.

Dr. Smith has been interviewed and quoted in numerous publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Woman's World, Cosmopolitan, and U.S. News & World Report.