Project MED: effects of a Medication EDucation booklet series for individuals with intellectual disabilities

We developed eight heavily illustrated booklets covering patients' rights and responsibilities, antiepileptic medicines, and most psychotropic medicines. The language level was very basic but covered a wide range of information. We distributed free copies of the booklets, together with standardized questionnaires, to consumers with and without intellectual disabilities or other developmental disabilities; 604 questionnaires were returned. The majority of consumers indicated that they read the booklets, learned more about their rights/responsibilities and the medicines described, and found the booklets helpful. Consumers with intellectual disability experienced more difficulty than "average" consumers in understanding the materials, but satisfaction and understanding were reportedly high overall. Female and minority respondents indicated somewhat higher satisfaction with the booklets than did their counterparts.