Abstract
The Canadian prescription process requires a person to go through several steps. Prescription medications have associated risks and benefits and it is important for people to be aware of these before and while they are taking medications. One of the approaches to informing people about new prescription medications is that they are provided Consumer Medication Information (CMI). CMI is given to Canadians at the pharmacy when they pick up prescriptions, they will be taking for the first time. This study used semi-structured interviews to examine the lived experiences of a sample of Canadians (N = 36) to identify opportunities for improvement in how and when they are informed about new prescription medications. The findings were synthesized into a journey map. Generally, participants wanted to receive CMI digitally and earlier in the prescription process. Adopting these changes could have several benefits which include loss prevention and increased accessibility to CMI as well as more participatory decision making and opportunities to ask questions. Future research is warranted to explore similar topics with a larger sample and determine what method (e.g., email, website, mobile application) would be most suitable.
Highlights
When prescriptions get filled for the first time in Canada, pharmacists will provide both verbal and printed information called Consumer Medication Information (CMI)
There are a number of opportunities for improving the current Canadian prescription process and how people are informed about new prescription medications
Providing Consumer (or Patient) Medication Information (CMI) digitally, at least as a complementary option to paper CMI, would both serve as a mechanism of loss prevention and increased availability
Summary
Prescription medication (or drug) use is common. Some people may take a single medication for a short duration. From 2007 to 2011, an average of 26% of 15-24 year old’s reported taking at least one prescription medication in the past two days (Rotermann, Sanmartin, Henessy, & Arthur, 2014). This proportion increases with age whereby 83% of 65-79 year old’s reported regularly taking at least one medication (Rotermann et al, 2014). CMI is intended to inform consumers about safe and effective use of prescription medications and is provided when the medication is dispensed at the pharmacy (FDA, 2006). This study will focus on the current limitations and opportunities for CMI with an emphasis on how they are provided to people in terms of the method and timing
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