| Abstract [eng] |
Aim: Compare pharmacy labels and written information use in practise, legal requirements and specialists’ perception across European countries. Objectives: 1) Compare how pharmacy information on dispensed medicines is provided for patients across European countries; 2) Compare the legal requirements on written information and pharmacy label provision in the pharmacies across European countries; 3) Assess the differences in specialists’ perception on pharmacy labels and written information; 4) Evaluate Lithuanian pharmacists’ opinions on different types of pharmacy labels and written information, and their practical application in Lithuania. Methods: In this study pharmacy labels and written information is considered as pharmacy dispensing labels or other similar way to provide written information for patients when dispensing medication. Data for the study was collected through the Qualtrics survey platform using a structured questionnaire. Legal requirement documents, pictures of pharmacy labels and other examples of written information, provided to the patients were collected using Dropbox. Mixed methods research design was chosen for data analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analysed using descriptive content analysis. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyse the focus group discussion data. Results: Participants from 32 different countries participated in the study. In 63% (n=20) of countries included in the study the standard practise is to provide patients with written information by pharmacists sticking a label directly on the package. Similarly, in 59% (n=19) it is a standard to write information directly on the medication package. The percentages exceed 100%, as the most common practise is to use combination of few different methods. Image analysis identified differences in content, format, colours and symbols used in written information across countries. There are legal requirements for providing written information and pharmacy labels in pharmacies in the 10 countries that were represented in this study. Most common requirements on labels include instruction on how to use medicine, patient name and pharmacy name where the medication was dispensed. 81% of specialists perceived pharmacy labels and written information both as intervention enhancing medication adherence and safe medicine use. Five Lithuanian pharmacists included in this study expressed the need for standardized written information in the country. They identified that the best practise would be the use of standardized pharmacy labels, similar to the Estonian example, including instructions for use, medication name, strength and quantity dispensed, as well as the pharmacy name and address and the prescribing physician’s name. The patient’s name was considered optional due to patient privacy considerations and preference. Conclusions: 1) The most common practise is to provide written information by sticking a label, writing directly on the package, or using combination of both methods; 2) Most common legal requirements are to include instructions on how to use medicine, patient name and pharmacy name where the medication was dispensed; 3) The majority of specialists in this study perceive pharmacy labels and written information both as intervention enhancing medication adherence and safe medicine use; 4) Pharmacists identified that the best practise would be the use of standardized pharmacy labels, similar to the Estonian example. |
