Evidence-Based Design of Prescription Medication Information: An Updated Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Health Literacy
• Patient Education
• Medical Communication

Background:

• Effective prescription medication information (PMI) is crucial for safe self-administration and patient education.
• A prior review of best practices in PMI design was last conducted using studies published up to 2015.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update the description of studies comparing different types of PMI.
• To detail patient involvement in PMI design.
• To consolidate design elements linked to positive patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across four databases (Ovid, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane) with citation searching.
• Inclusion of randomized controlled trials published in English from 2016 onwards.
• Evidence strength categorized as 'strong' (consistent findings, >=2 studies) or 'moderate' (inconsistent findings or quality).

Main Results:

• Thirty-two articles were reviewed, with most studies exhibiting some or high risk of bias.
• Two-thirds reported development details, and over half involved patients via pilot testing or feedback, showing benefits.
• Positive outcomes were linked to health literacy principles (plain language, clear typography, actionable instructions) and the use of pictograms/illustrations with text, and text messages.

Conclusions:

• A high proportion of studies involved patients in PMI development, focusing on behavioral outcomes, though clinical outcomes remain understudied.
• Strong evidence supports pictograms with paired text in written information and pharmacy labels.
• Moderate evidence exists for text messages in PMI delivery; novel methods require further investigation.