The healthcare sector has a “moral obligation” to help people navigate the self-care industry, the big pharmaceutical company said.

The “self-care” industry has exploded in recent years, with the sector worth an estimated $4.9 billion in 2019. But in a world of fake news and influencer-driven trends, the knowledge people need to sort wheat out of the chaff.

Bayer’s new paper does just that Science-Driven Self-Care: Best Practice Principles, set out to achieve. Abby Lennox, global chief regulatory, medical, safety and compliance officer for the organization’s consumer health division, hopes to “ignite the conversation” about the need to promote science-driven self-care.

“Companies like Bayer Consumer Health use their deep understanding of biology and consumer needs to deliver innovative products, stay abreast of their changing needs, and transform consumer non-prescription health. We believe we have a responsibility to provide reliable, evidence-based solutions for care needs and Paradigm.

“Importantly, self-care is about enabling consumers to manage and protect their own health, backed by science-driven solutions,” the report said.

time for yourself and self-care

According to the World Health Organization, self-care is “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain good health, and cope with illness and disability, with or without the support of health care professionals. Ability”.

As Bayer’s report highlights, web searches for the term yield over 3.5 billion hits, the majority of which focus on “me time,” stress reduction, and healthy eating.

“Self-care has become synonymous with the health and wellness industry, but many products are […] It’s not evidence-based or deep science-based,” the report said.

“Science-driven self-care companies have been swept along with bubble baths and yoga, rather than emphasizing that self-care exists in the broader healthcare continuum.”

Providing consumers with the knowledge and expertise to distinguish between the two is critical across the healthcare ecosystem, from healthcare professionals and the healthcare system to policy makers, advocacy groups, and pharmaceutical companies. It is a “moral imperative”.

“There is nothing wrong with bubble baths. There is an important difference between taking active, data-driven self-care and a more passive approach of “me time”. ‘.

“We need to recognize the value of science-driven innovation.In today’s world of misinformation and rumors, rigorous testing and regulation are more important than ever.Consumers need products they can trust. I am.”

five principles

Lennox said the five principles laid out in the report could serve as a “blueprint for a deeper discussion” on how best to help consumers navigate the turbulent times. .

“We have a duty to help consumers navigate the self-care landscape and identify products and services that are science-based, prevent disease, and help them live healthier lives.” she said.

The first principle, labeled “the science of humans,” asserts that self-care products should be grounded in a thorough understanding of human biology and medical insights, while the second, “the science of regulation,” is the independent regulation This ensures safety and efficacy through transparent communication, accurate labeling and supported claims, the report says.

The “Science of Collaboration” emphasizes the need for “judgmental collaboration” to help improve access to self-care, thereby making products widely available and enabling more consumers to Put your health in control. The “science of discovery” suggests that self-care products are rigorously researched and grounded in scientific principles, while the “science of consumer product experience” suggests that consumers use self-care products better. We encourage you to provide a seamless experience that works for you.

Underpinning all five principles are the themes of building trust, protecting safety and effectiveness, addressing unmet needs, and enabling access.

David Evendon Shallis, Chief Scientific Officer, Consumer Health, Bayer, said: I live

“We believe that increased consumer confidence will enhance the reputation of the self-care industry as a whole, so it will also benefit others who are committed to this vision.”

Principles are already part of the daily process for many companies involved in self-care. “They are what set science-driven self-care products apart,” he said.

starting point for change

As the self-care industry continues to evolve, there will be new changes, disruptors and, ultimately, questions to be answered. Doing this requires a system-wide approach.

“This is just the beginning of the conversation. We want to enlist the help of experts in the self-care field to find these answers,” the paper said, and a series of workshops with key stakeholders. is approaching.

This report hopes to start a conversation rather than provide a rigid and fast-paced set of rules for the future of science-based self-care products.

“We look forward to initiating active discussions with industry peers, health and medical professionals, policy makers and consumers about how these can continue to evolve and contribute to better health for all. I look forward to it,” he said.

Click here to read the report. Feedback can be emailed to feedbackSOSH@bayer.com.

Feature image credit: Bayer AG