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Campaign Urges Hispanics To Ask Questions

Posted: 7/6/2011

The campaign is designed to help Hispanics prepare for medical appointments by offering tips on what to ask the doctor.

(NAPSI)—When it comes to encouraging Hispanics to talk with their doctors about their medical concerns, a new, multimedia Spanish-language campaign may be the right prescription.

The national public service advertising campaign, Conoce las Preguntas (Know the Questions), was developed by HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Ad Council. It uses television, radio, print, outdoor and Web ads to help Hispanics prepare for medical appointments by thinking ahead of time about questions to ask their doctors.

The public service advertisements (PSAs) direct Hispanics to visit AHRQ’s website at ahrq.gov/ preguntas to find tips and other important health information.

AHRQ research shows that Hispanics tend to seek medical treatment advice from friends, co-workers, and even casual acquaintances rather than going to the doctor. Some Hispanics report avoiding asking doctors questions out of respect, or because they feel intimidated or embarrassed.

“Hispanics who go to the doctor and are unclear about the doctor’s instructions should speak up,” says AHRQ Scientific Review Officer Ileana Ponce-Gonzalez, M.D. “The lesson is that there is nothing to fear-doctors appreciate patients asking them questions if they don’t understand something.”

“I see this behavior in my practice all the time,” adds Aliza Lifshitz, M.D., editorial director of VidaySalud.com and host of Univision radio’s weekly health show “El Consultorio de la Dra. Aliza,” who is also supporting the campaign. “Many Latinos are timid with medical professionals and turn to peers before turning to their doctors or other medical professionals. I hope that this campaign empowers Latinos to speak up when they have questions and more effectively communicate with their doctors so they get the best health care possible.”

A mobile marketing program will further engage the Hispanic community in the campaign messages. A mobile version of the website has been created and users will have the opportunity to opt in to receive biweekly text message alerts for tips on talking with their health care providers, getting prescriptions and medical tests, and the benefits of getting more involved in their health care. Mobile users can text 80676/Preguntas to opt in to the program.

Conoce las Preguntas was created pro bono for the Ad Council by Revolución, an ad agency based in New York.

To learn more, visit the website at www.ahrq.gov/preguntas.

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