Interventions supporting consumers to achieve the best from medicines and tests

The aim of this chapter is to review the evidence for interventions that have been shown to support consumers to make decisions about medicine use and medical tests. It also examines the evidence relating to helping consumers to facilitate medicines adherence. Various Cochrane systematic reviews, as well as websites and applications, are appraised for their ability to facilitate decision making among consumers and carers. The key issues in the use of these systematic reviews, websites and applications are that they are current, reliable and independent sources based on evidence. The chapter also describes the complexities relating to how health professionals and the health system can support consumers and their carers inmaking informed decisions about medicines and tests. In view of the intricate nature of decision making in consumers and carers, it is important that health professionals act as advocates in ensuring consumers’ preferences are considered.