How does Australia’s healthcare system work towards achieving better health for all Australians?
Content Point Six
Explain the importance of being a critical health consumer
Including:
- how do you know whom to believe?
- what do you need to know to make informed decisions?
- how do you assess the accuracy and credibility of health information, products and services?
NESA Glossary of Key Words:
Explain - Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or how.
How - Relate cause and effect, make the relationships between things evident.
What - Provide characteristics and features.
Being a Critical Health Consumer
How does Australia’s healthcare system work towards achieving better health for all Australians?
Content Point Six
Explain the importance of being a critical health consumer
Including:
- how do you know whom to believe?
- what do you need to know to make informed decisions?
- how do you assess the accuracy and credibility of health information, products and services?
NESA Glossary of Key Words:
Explain - Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or how.
How - Relate cause and effect, make the relationships between things evident.
What - Provide characteristics and features.
How do you know whom to believe?
How does Australia’s healthcare system work towards achieving better health for all Australians?
Content Point Six
Explain the importance of being a critical health consumer
Including:
- how do you know whom to believe?
- what do you need to know to make informed decisions?
- how do you assess the accuracy and credibility of health information, products and services?
NESA Glossary of Key Words:
Explain - Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or how.
How - Relate cause and effect, make the relationships between things evident.
What - Provide characteristics and features.
What do you need to know to make informed decisions?
How does Australia’s healthcare system work towards achieving better health for all Australians?
Content Point Six
Explain the importance of being a critical health consumer
Including:
- how do you know whom to believe?
- what do you need to know to make informed decisions?
- how do you assess the accuracy and credibility of health information, products and services?
NESA Glossary of Key Words:
Explain - Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or how.
How - Relate cause and effect, make the relationships between things evident.
What - Provide characteristics and features.
How do you assess the accuracy and credibility of health information, products and services?
Learning Activities
1. ‘Product Selection’ activity. Provide students with a list of health products or allow them to choose their own. These can include items like dietary supplements, fitness apps, weight loss products, herbal remedies or wearable health devices (e.g. fitness trackers). Example products:
- Weight loss supplements (e.g. Garcinia Cambogia)
- Herbal teas for detox
- Protein shakes or vitamins
- Fitness gadgets (e.g. Fitbit, Apple Watch)
- Essential oils for health benefits
Students research their chosen health product. They should use multiple sources of information, including:
- Official websites or product descriptions.
- Scientific studies or reviews from medical journals or health organisations
- (e.g. PubMed, WebMD, National Institutes of Health).
- Customer reviews (with attention to biases).
- Regulatory bodies (e.g. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia).
During their research, students should focus on answering the following questions:
- What claims does the product make? (e.g. “Improves digestion," "Promotes weight loss”)
- Is there scientific evidence to support these claims? What does research say about the effectiveness of the product? Are the claims supported by peer-reviewed studies?
- What are the ingredients or components of the product? Are they safe?
- Are there any known side effects or risks?
- Who manufactures the product? Is it from a reputable company?
- What do customer reviews say? Are there common complaints or praise? Are the reviews credible?
- Is the product regulated by health authorities? (e.g. TGA, FDA, or similar organisations)
- Does it provide value for money? Is the price reasonable for the benefits it claims to provide?
Have students present their findings to the class or participate in a group discussion. Each student or group should share their critical review of the product, highlighting key points from their research.
Revision Questions
1. Outline potential challenges consumers may face when interpreting health information.
2. Describe reliable sources of health information.
3. Explain how consumers can make informed decisions about health.
4. Propose strategies for assessing the accuracy and credibility of health information, products and services.
5. Justify the need to be a critical consumer when accessing health products or services.
Sample Answers
Sample answers coming soon.
