Return to PJ Online Home Page
The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 265 No 7114 September 16, 2000
Pharmacy Practice Research
Papers presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference, Birmingham, September 10 to 13, 2000 pR49

Developing a personal medicines information web site

By Anthony Howarth, Antony D'Emanuele and D. K. Raynor*

Introduction Estimates suggest that 15-20 per cent of the United Kingdom population have access to the internet.1 Over 40 per cent of public library authorities now have internet access in at least one branch (S. Woodhouse, personal communication, January, 2000). In Greater Manchester every public library (except one) provides at least two public access internet terminals.
Health information is one of the most sought-after types of information on the internet and there is a large amount available, originating from a wide range of sources.
A recent study2 highlighted the limitations and inflexibility of currently supplied medicines information leaflets and it has been demonstrated that patients prefer, and are more satisfied with, personalised information.3 The present study examines and evaluates the use of web technology to provide access to personalised medicines information, through a personal site.

Methods Patient information can be customised by identifying and tracking a patient accessing a website. One method involves using a "cookie", which can store small amounts of information and be used as a means to identify a patient. It can also allow patients to control other parameters such as text size, which may benefit them.4
A more sophisticated approach to tracking patients and providing personalised information can be provided by integrating a database with a web server. Such a system allows information to be customised according to several parameters, including age, sex, medication, dosage, relevant side effects and possible interactions.
The present study involves the development of such a database-driven web site. Templates were developed and web pages created "on the fly" with information obtained from a patient database. In addition, links to peer-reviewed external sites appropriate to the patient are also presented.
Pilot work with 16 patients indicates that they found the system user-friendly and preferred this presentation of information to conventional generic material. Additionally, they were positive about the possibility of receiving information via the personalised web system.

Focal points

  • Health information is one of the most sought after types of information on the internet
  • Patients prefer and are more satisfied with personalised information
  • One possible approach is to integrate a database with a web server
  • Pilot work has indicated the acceptability of this to patients

Discussion The development of database-driven personalised information systems that enable relevant information to be delivered to patients is likely to have greater impact than present delivery methods. Provision of professionally reviewed links to further information adds to the benefits the web offers, allowing patients access to as much or as little information about their condition as they desire. The net result is expected to be improved patient education.
A natural evolution of this system would be to extend the range of patient information available to include data such as appointments, test results, and communication tools as proposed in NHSnet. However, it is important to evaluate the use of such systems.
Current studies involve rheumatology and diabetic patients. Their desire and ability to access such a site is being assessed, along with an exploration of their pre-conceptions about the internet.

School of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, University of Manchester; *division of academic pharmacy practice, University of Leeds

References

1. Nua Internet Survey 2000. How many online. Available from: URL: http:// www.nua.ie/surveys/how_many_online/ [accessed Feb 2000].
2. Raynor DK, Knapp P. Do patients read and retain the new mandatory medicines information leaflets? Pharm J 2000;264: 268-70.
3. Jones R et al. Randomised trial of personalised computer based information for cancer patients. Br Med J 1999;319: 1241-7.
4. Frost M et al. Importance of format and design in print patient information. Cancer Practice 1999;7:22-7.