Publication: “Consumer Medicine”

We present some of the viewpoints from the invited speakers at two of our conferences in 2009. The first was held on Genetic self-testing, and examined the development of genetic tests that are sold over the internet to consumers. The second conference was held on medical tourism. Both of these subjects touch upon a broader theme that we have called consumer medicine.

In this edited volume we present some of the viewpoints from the invited speakers at two of our conferences in 2009. The first was held in January in Århus, Denmark, on Genetic self-testing, and examined the development of genetic tests that are sold over the internet to consumers. The second conference was held in May in Sigtuna, Sweden, on medical tourism. Both of these subjects touch upon a broader theme that we have called consumer medicine. The topics map and explore recent changes that have been taking place in relation to the production and sale of medical goods and services to patients transnationally. These patients, however, are increasingly being seen as consumers of these goods and services. The traditional view of the patient as being a passive receiver of health services has, during the last decade, gradually changed towards that of the active consumer taking a stronger responsibility in the management of his/her medical treatment. This paradigmatic change brings with it, however, a number of challenges and issues which need to be critically explored.

With a growing number of new goods and services on the open market, the need to investigate their consequences on individuals, selected groups and the entire society increase. The two conferences on genetic self-testing and medical tourism identified several, important challenges. This demonstrates that it is important to investigate the consequences of consumer medicine further.

The Nordic Committee on Bioethics hopes that this volume will serve as an important resource to people who are interested in the development and consequences of consumer medicine, in particular by identifying some of the key issues involved and the challenges that lay ahead in its governance.

(From Forward by Ole Johan Borge)

Purchase publication:
http://www.norden.org/sv/publikationer/publikationer/2010-530 

Or download:
TN2010530 Web.pdf