Prescriber, pharmacist, and patient interpretation of commonly used prescription directions

Prescriber, pharmacist, and patient interpretations of commonly used prescription directions were assessed. Results indicated that: 1) Attempts to make directions more time-specific without indicating actual hours for ingestion of the medication tends to lead to patient confusion and potential compliance problems; 2) Some prescribers do not understand the potential interpretation of their own directions; 3) Patients tend to base drug ingestion time on their lifestyles, and unless directions are actually time-specific (e.g., one at 8 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7.p.m.), compliance problems will probably continue; and 4) The prescribed and the pharmacist cannot assume understanding on the part of the patient for nonspecific directions. They must not only reinforce directions, but must also determine the patient's level of understanding, so that actual compliance with the directions intended has a chance for success.