Conference Publication Details
Mandatory Fields
Sahm LJ, Wolf MS, Curtis LM, Behan R, Brennan M, Gallwey H and McCarthy S;
2011 International Conference on Communication in Healthcare
What's in a label? An Exploratory Study of Patient-Centred Drug Instructions in Ireland
2011
October
Published
1
()
Optional Fields
Health literacy Prescription labels Comprehension
97
97
Chicago
16-OCT-11
19-OCT-11

Introduction

The current study assessed the effect of patient-centered label (PCL) instructions on comprehension of prescription drug use compared to standard instructions. 

Methods

94 adult patients recruited from an urban outpatient clinic in Cork, Ireland  were each randomly assigned to receive:  1) standard prescription instructions written as times per day (once, twice, three times per day) [usual care], 2) PCL instructions that specify explicit timing with standard intervals (morning, noon, evening, bedtime) or with mealtime anchors ( breakfast, lunch or dinner)  [ both PCL], or 3) PCL instructions  with a graphic aid to visually depict dose and timing of the medication [PCL + Graphic].  The outcome was correct interpretation of given instructions.

Results

 Instructions with the PCL format were more likely to be correctly interpreted compared to standard instructions (Adjusted Relative Risk (RR) 1.08, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.98 ¿ 1.18).  Inclusion of the graphic aid (PCL + Graphic) decreased rates of correct interpretation compared to PCL instructions alone (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.91 -1.05).  There was a significant interaction between instruction type and literacy (p=0.008). Those with limited literacy were more likely to correctly interpret the PCL labels (91%) than the standard labels (66%).  Those with adequate literacy performed equally well. 

Discussion

 The PCL approach may improve patients¿ understanding and use of their medication regimen.

 

Grant Details