Healthy Skepticism Library item: 8963

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

Katz MG, Kripalani S, Weiss BD.
Use of pictorial aids in medication instructions: a review of the literature.
Am J Health Syst Pharm 2006 Dec 1; 63:(23):2391-7
http://www.ajhp.org/cgi/content/full/63/23/2391

Abstract:

PURPOSE: The effects of pictorial aids in medication instructions on medication recall, comprehension, and adherence are reviewed.

SUMMARY: Many patients depend on medication labels and patient information leaflets for pertinent drug information, but these materials are often difficult for patients to understand. Research in psychology and marketing indicates that humans have a cognitive preference for picture-based, rather than text-based, information. Studies have shown that pictorial aids improve recall, comprehension, and adherence and are particularly useful for conveying timing of doses, instructions on when to take medicine, and the importance of completing a course of therapy. Other research has compared various techniques for using picture-based information and supports the use of integrative instructions, a combination of textual, oral, and pictorial communication, to promote comprehension and adherence. While pictures have generally proven useful for improving patient comprehension and adherence, not all picture-based interventions have produced successful results. Some icons, particularly clock icons, have been found to be too complex to enhance understanding and could not overcome the advantage provided by the familiarity of the textbased format, suggesting that patients be trained to use pictorial medication information before they are expected to use icons as an aid for medication administration. In addition to enhancing understanding, pictorial aids have been found to improve patients’ satisfaction with medication instructions.

CONCLUSION: The use of pictorial aids enhances patients’ understanding of how they should take their medications, particularly when pictures are used in combination with written or oral instructions.

Keywords:
Publication Types: Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Review MeSH Terms: Audiovisual Aids* Comprehension Drug Labeling* Humans Mental Recall Patient Compliance Patient Education/methods*