But I Saw it on TV!
Where to find credible joint care information
We all have our favorite commercials or advertisements that make us do a double-take or leave us reciting a catchy tag line. Direct-to-consumer marketing is a powerful tool and can be used to get people interested in and possibly purchase a company’s product. In the material world this is an accepted form of advertising as it affords companies the ability to directly influence the consumer. It is through these mechanisms that a person can find themselves constantly upgrading their phone, buying the latest electronic device or trying new food products.
Smartphones, tablet computers and breakfast cereal are tangible items that we can take for a “test drive” before purchasing. We cannot do the same in healthcare. It is important to research and read the fine print in the direct-to-consumer marketing that occurs in healthcare advertising. In 1991, there was approximately $55 million spent on advertising prescription drugs; this has grown to more than $3 billion. Therefore, maintaining a healthy amount of skepticism is crucial. If the marketing sounds to good to be true, then it probably is.
Recently a satellite cable company with some very memorable advertisements was forced to remove their television advertisements as they were making unsubstantiated claims. Consumers should be equally skeptical of advertising for implants, drugs, surgical procedures and specific approaches that may or may not have substantial data or research to support the claims. Since the FDA relaxed the rules in 1997 on direct to consumer marketing, there has been a tremendous increase in advertisements via television, printed media, the Internet and radio ads. Guidelines to monitor such promotions are somewhat vague, so it is important to seek legitimate sources for accurate information.
There are several sources of substantiated, peer-reviewed information on hip and knee replacements including the AAHKS website. These are just some of the examples of topics that have been thoroughly vetted by AAHKS members and experienced surgeons:
- Do I need a joint replacement?
- Surgical Options for hip arthritis
- Non-surgical options for knee arthritis
- Osteoarthritis frequently asked questions
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers similar educational materials with topics on other joints as well.
Other sources of education are the websites of the National Association for Orthopaedic Nurses, the American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation.
These web sites are good sources of information in treating hip and knee disorders and will offer a comprehensive, yet patient-friendly review of treatment options. After reviewing information from a credible site, you should discuss this with your physician and develop a treatment plan that best suits your own individual needs
This article has been written and peer reviewed by the AAHKS Patient and Public Relations Committee and the AAHKS Evidence Based Medicine Committee.
