University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division
The Role of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising in Healthcare
Presenter Hometown
Grand Rapids, MI
Major
Occupational Science
Department
Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Susan Skees Hermes
Mentor Department
Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Recommended Citation
Walcott, Abigail, "The Role of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising in Healthcare" (2023). University Presentation Showcase Event. 14.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2023/undergraduate/14
Abstract
Direct-to-consumer advertising is the marketing of prescription drugs directly to a consumer population by means of advertisements in media. The research shows that direct-to-consumer advertising plays a major role in the delivery of healthcare in the United States, and healthcare spending. At this time, direct-to-consumer advertising is not well regulated, leading to issues with communicating risk and benefit information to consumers. Knowledge about healthcare (also known as “health literacy) and personal consumer choices are skills that healthcare providers are concerned about. Health literacy is a major aspect of Occupational Therapy, and formatting advertisements based on health literacy principles has been shown to increase understanding, retention, and comprehension of information. As a future occupational therapist, the profession has a role in increasing health literacy in terms of medication management, and a role in lobbying for increased regulation of direct-to-consumer advertising to protect clients and consumers. The connections in being an occupational therapy advocate and understanding the impact of direct- to- consumer advertising and health literacy will be discussed in this poster.
Presentation format
Poster
The Role of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising in Healthcare
Direct-to-consumer advertising is the marketing of prescription drugs directly to a consumer population by means of advertisements in media. The research shows that direct-to-consumer advertising plays a major role in the delivery of healthcare in the United States, and healthcare spending. At this time, direct-to-consumer advertising is not well regulated, leading to issues with communicating risk and benefit information to consumers. Knowledge about healthcare (also known as “health literacy) and personal consumer choices are skills that healthcare providers are concerned about. Health literacy is a major aspect of Occupational Therapy, and formatting advertisements based on health literacy principles has been shown to increase understanding, retention, and comprehension of information. As a future occupational therapist, the profession has a role in increasing health literacy in terms of medication management, and a role in lobbying for increased regulation of direct-to-consumer advertising to protect clients and consumers. The connections in being an occupational therapy advocate and understanding the impact of direct- to- consumer advertising and health literacy will be discussed in this poster.
