Healthy Skepticism Library item: 7736

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

Koo M, Krass I, Aslani P.
Consumer opinions on medicines information and factors affecting its use - an Australian experience
International Journal of Pharmacy Practice 2002; 10:(2):107-114

Abstract:

Background – Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is brand-specific, written drug information produced by pharmaceutical companies and intended for consumers in Australia. The content of CMI is defined in legal regulations. Objectives – This exploratory study investigated: (a) consumers’ awareness, perceptions and modes of CMI use, (b) the impact of CMI on consumers, and © possible factors affecting CMI use. Methods – Six focus groups (n=57 consumers) were conducted. Discussions were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Setting – Metropolitan Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Key findings – Most participants were aware of written information about prescription medications but were unfamiliar with the term “CMI”. Few had experienced a health care professional providing or discussing CMI but most had read it and found it useful. There were many suggestions for improvements to the format and content of CMI to increase its “user-friendliness”. CMI had caused anxiety in some participants but increased awareness of their medications in others. Several factors appeared to increase the likelihood of CMI use: information-oriented coping mechanism, severe disease, internal locus of control, appropriate timing of information provision, and care-giver role. Conversely, difficulty in reading and understanding CMI, confidence in health care professionals and perceived “problem-free” therapies appeared to reduce CMI use. Conclusions – Although consumers were aware of and read written drug information, there was limited interaction with a health professional when written information was provided.