Healthy Skepticism Library item: 11950

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Hugman B, Edwards IR.
The challenge of effectively communicating patient safety information.
Expert Opin Drug Saf 2006 Jul; 5:(4):495-9
http://www.expertopin.com/doi/abs/10.1517/14740338.5.4.495

Abstract:

Rational use of drugs and patient safety are seriously compromised by a lack of good information, education and effective communication at all stages of drug development and use. From animal trials through to dispensing, there are misconceptions and opportunities for error which current methods of drug information communication do not adequately address: they do not provide those responsible for prescribing and dispensing drugs with the data and information they need to pass on complex and often changing messages to patients and the public. The incidence of adverse reactions due to the way drugs are used; the variable impact of regulatory guidelines and warnings on prescribing behaviour; drug scares and crises suggest a great gap between the ideals of the safe use of medicines and the reality in homes, clinics and hospitals around the world. To address these challenges, the authors review the several levels at which safety information is generated and communicated, and examine how, at each stage, the content and its significance, and the method of communication can be improved.

Keywords:
Publication Types: Editorial MeSH Terms: Animals Drug Information Services* Drug Labeling Drug Toxicity* Humans Information Dissemination* Patient Education* Physician's Practice Patterns Physician-Patient Relations Product Surveillance, Postmarketing Risk Assessment