(a) Identify the personal consumer skills needed to make informed decisions about alternative approaches to health care. - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 21 - 2003 - Paper 1

In order to effectively make informed decisions about alternative approaches to health care, individuals need to possess several key personal consumer skills:

1. Research Skills: The ability to locate, evaluate, and use information from various sources about alternative health care options is vital. This includes understanding how to discern credible sources from unreliable ones.

2. Critical Thinking: Being able to analyze and assess the information critically helps consumers to weigh the pros and cons of different health care alternatives. This means questioning the validity of claims and considering evidence.

3. Decision-Making Skills: Making informed choices requires strong decision-making capabilities. This involves setting personal health priorities, considering different treatment options, and understanding potential outcomes.

4. Communication Skills: Effective communication with health care providers is crucial. Consumers must be able to express their concerns and preferences clearly, ask questions, and seek clarification about treatments and practices.

Each of these skills enables individuals to navigate the complex landscape of health care options and make choices that best suit their personal health needs.