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Improving Information Processing: The Effect of Label Format Among Current and Potential Over-the-Counter Medication
Archita H Bhansali1, Marc L Fleming1, Jefferey T Sherer1
11 College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science
|September 21, 2018
Summary
New over-the-counter (OTC) label formats significantly improve consumer information processing. Placing warnings at the end of the Drug Facts panel enhances understanding and patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Consumer Health Information Processing
- Drug Labeling and Packaging Design
- Patient Safety and Education
Background:
- Current over-the-counter (OTC) drug labels follow a standardized format.
- Optimizing information processing is crucial for safe and effective OTC medication use.
- Understanding how label design impacts consumer comprehension is an ongoing research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of two experimental label formats versus the current FDA Drug Facts panel on consumer information processing.
- To determine if altering the placement of warning information affects user comprehension.
- To identify optimal label designs for enhancing consumer understanding of OTC medications.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Houston, Texas, involving adult participants.
- Three label formats were tested: Label A (current FDA format), Label B (warnings before information chunk), and Label C (warnings after information chunk).
- Information processing was assessed using constructs from the OTC Label Evaluation Process Model (LEPM).
Main Results:
- Label C, with warnings placed at the end, demonstrated significantly better information processing scores compared to Label A (control) and Label B.
- Multivariate analysis of covariance and Dunnett's test confirmed the statistical significance of these findings (P < .0001).
- The experimental label format significantly improved consumer understanding of OTC medication information.
Conclusions:
- The placement of warning information at the end of the Drug Facts panel format enhances consumer information processing.
- Revising the OTC Drug Facts panel format, particularly warning placement, can improve patient understanding.
- Enhanced patient understanding through improved label design can reciprocally enhance patient safety.
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