Graphical content of medicinal package inserts: an exploratory study to evaluate potential legibility issues.

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Human Factors Engineering
• Health Communication

Background:

• International pharmaceutical regulations mandate legible and appropriate graphical content in Medicines Package Inserts (MPIs).
• The design of MPIs, including illustrations and typography, is critical for patient understanding and safe medication use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and types of graphical elements in MPIs.
• To assess MPI graphical content for regulatory compliance.
• To evaluate how educated individuals comprehend MPI illustrations and tables.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study analyzed the graphical content of 651 MPIs.
• A usability study involved humanities undergraduates evaluating selected illustrations and tables using questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Illustrations appeared in 6.3% and tables in 11.8% of MPIs, primarily depicting medicine usage.
• Non-compliant graphical elements (e.g., italics, underlining) were observed.
• Legibility issues were identified, particularly with standalone illustrations.

Conclusions:

• Limited use of visual aids like illustrations and tables may hinder MPI legibility.
• Mandatory legibility testing is recommended to ensure proper MPI use and enhance medication safety.
• A review of MPI design and increased awareness among health information experts are necessary.