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Better labelling increases patient understanding

14 January 2010
News & Events > Medicines information

Wolf M, Davis T, Bass P, Improving Prescription Drug Warnings to Promote Patient Comprehension. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(1):50-56.

Studies have previously documented a high prevalence of patients who misunderstand prescription drug warning labels, placing them at risk for medication error. This research evaluates whether the use of "enhanced print" drug warnings could improve patient comprehension beyond a current standard.

500 adult patients were recruited and assigned to receive current standard drug warning labels on prescription containers, drug warnings with text rewritten in plain language, or plain language and icons developed with patient feedback (simplified text + icon). The main outcome was correct interpretation of 9 drug warning labels as determined by a blinded panel review of patients' verbatim responses.

Rates of correct interpretation of drug warnings varied among standard, simplified text, and simplified text + icon labels. Warnings with simplified text and simplified text + icons were more likely to be correctly interpreted compared with standard labels. Patients' ability to correctly interpret labels was not significantly different with the inclusion of icons. Low literacy was also an independent predictor of misinterpretation. Patients with marginal and low literacy were better able to correctly interpret warning labels with simplified text + icons compared with labels with simplified text only.

The authors concluded that simple, explicit language on warning labels can increase patient understanding; the addition of appropriate icons is particularly useful for adults with lower literacy skills. Evidence-based standards are needed to promote patient-centred prescription labelling practices

http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/170/1/50