Int J Pharm Pract 2001:9:153-162
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Victorian College of Pharmacy, Monash University, Parkville, 3052, Australia
Sally Thompson, BPharm, PhD, research pharmacist
Kay Stewart, BPharm, PhD, senior lecturer in pharmacy practice
Correspondence:
Dr Stewart
Original Papers
Older persons’ opinions about, and sources of, prescription drug information
SALLY THOMPSON and KAY STEWART
Objectives — (1) To explore older persons’ opinions about their receipt of prescription drug information from general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists, (2) to determine the information older persons wish to know about their prescription medication and the information sources they use, (3) to determine the opinions of older persons about prescription medication labels and patient information leaflets, and (4) to determine any significant differences between those aged 65-74 years and those aged 75 years and over.Method — Data were gathered via 204 detailed in-home interviews completed between March, 1993, and November, 1995. Respondents were identified through GPs.
Setting — The study was conducted in Melbourne, Australia.
Key findings — The vast majority of respondents liked to receive verbal counselling from GPs and pharmacists about their prescription medication and the majority were willing to share responsibility for receiving that information. However, a small minority of patients seemed to receive little information from GPs and pharmacists about their prescription medication and had no real perception of a need for information. As might be expected, the item of information most desired by respondents was when and how to use the medication (89 per cent). This was followed by the condition for which the medication was prescribed (76 per cent) and side effects (72 per cent). For 90 per cent of respondents GPs were their greatest prescription drug information source; pharmacists featured highly as a secondary source (57 per cent of respondents). Almost all respondents (92 per cent) thought that the information pharmacists printed on prescription medication labels was adequate although numerous suggestions were advanced for label improvement. Seventy-six per cent of respondents were of the opinion that, when receiving a prescription medication that was new to them, an information leaflet written for the consumer about that medication would be helpful. The 75 and over age group were less enthusiastic about receiving such leaflets than the 65-74 age group (P=0.015).
Conclusion — Education programmes aimed at improving the quality use of medicines in Australia still need to encourage older persons to actively seek, and health professionals to volunteer, prescription drug information. Patient information leaflets are well accepted by older persons; however, it is important that the information be adequately explained.