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A randomized trial of pictorial versus prose-based medication information pamphlets
Andrew E Thompson1, Mark A Goldszmidt, Alan J Schwartz
1Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. andy.thompson@rogers.com
Patient Education and Counseling
|February 16, 2010
Summary
Pictorial pamphlets did not improve patient recall or comprehension of methotrexate information compared to text-only versions. Patient preference favored pictorial formats, but neither format alone sufficiently conveyed critical medication details.
Area of Science:
- Health Literacy
- Patient Education
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Effective patient education is crucial for medication adherence and safety.
- Traditional prose-based medication pamphlets may present comprehension challenges for some patient populations.
- The utility of visual aids in enhancing patient understanding of medication information is an area of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of prose-based versus pictorial-based information pamphlets for methotrexate.
- To evaluate differences in free recall, cued recall, comprehension, and utility between pamphlet formats.
- To assess the impact of pamphlet design on patient understanding of medication information.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind, randomized trial involving 100 participants aged 18-65 with limited formal education.
- Participants had no prior knowledge of methotrexate and could read English.
- Pamphlet effectiveness was measured by immediate and 1-week delayed free recall, cued recall, and comprehension.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in free recall, cued recall, or comprehension between pictorial and prose pamphlets.
- Immediate free recall ranged from 17-26%, decreasing to 7-16% after one week.
- Participants expressed a preference for the pictorial pamphlet over the prose-based version.
Conclusions:
- The addition of pictograms to simple prose-based medication pamphlets does not enhance patient recall or comprehension.
- Even assessed medication information pamphlets should not be the sole method for conveying essential drug-related details to patients.
- Alternative or supplementary patient education strategies are necessary for effective medication information delivery.
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