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| Authors | L M Azzopardi A Serracino Inglott M Zarb Adami E Vella |
| Abstract | Introduction: Good information is essential for patients to be able to participate actively in patient care. Aims: To evaluate the availability and readability of package inserts (PIs) for medicines available in community pharmacies and to determine the attitude of the public towards PIs. Method: The PIs presented with 150 medicinal products chosen randomly from a community pharmacy were analysed for patient-friendliness and readability using the Flesch-Kincaid Method. Flesch-Kincaid grade level scores were obtained. A Flesch-Kincaid score of 6-8 is accepted as the reading level of the average consumer. A questionnaire addressed to 150 consumers visiting five community pharmacies chosen by stratified random sampling was developed. The perception of the public of package inserts was evaluated. Results: Out of the 150 medicinal products selected, 81% (122) contained a PI and of these, 96% (117) were directed towards patients. However, only 9% (10) had an acceptable readability level. Of the consumers interviewed, 87% (131) read PIs focusing on: a) side-effects (89%), b) dosage regimen (85%), c) indications (84%) and d) contra-indications (83%). Of those who read PIs, 33% (43) found them hard to understand. Conclusion: A number of medications available in the local community pharmacy setting still lack a PI. The relatively large number of PIs with a reading level above that of the average consumer demonstrates that more needs to be done to make PIs more patient accessible. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | patient package inserts, pharmacy, readability |