Primary care professional validation of visual model of prescription – Illustrated prescription

Abstract

Abstract Issue Chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes have great global impact on morbidity, mortality and costs. Incorrect use of medicines is especially worrisome for vulnerable populations with low health literacy, and visual models of prescription can bring benefit. The objective of this study was to validate the visual model of prescription Illustrated Prescription to obtain an adapted prescription with greater clarity, correction and cost-efficiency especially for risk users in a vulnerable peripheral region of the capital of Brazil served free of charge by the Unified Health System. Description of the Problem We conducted a content validation by primary health care nurses, pharmacists and physicians (PHC) by Delphi technique, applied in two phases from November to December 2018, through a questionnaire that evaluated clarity, relevance and feasibility of performing Illustrated Prescription, with field for comments. We used a 4-point Likert scale, Cronbach Alpha for reliability and Content Validation Index (CVI) with agreement above 0.8 indicating validation. Project approved by the Ethics Committee - FEPECS. Results Round-1: 29 out of 32 items were validated, with Cronbach's alpha .9812. Round-2: Included 4 new items, guidelines for indicating whole tablet, adjustment of the font size and color column size of elastic alloys, all items being validated and Cronbach's alpha of 0.9876. Lessons Validation ensures clarity and correction of the Illustrated Prescription, being extremely important for dissemination of the visual model for prescribing. It allows future evaluation of increased drug adherence and risk reduction related to incorrect use of medications especially for illiterate or visually impaired users. Key messages Illustrated Prescription is a validated tool that opens up the possibility of greater safety and efficient use of chronic medications, especially for vulnerable users with chronic diseases. Validation ensures clarity and correction of the Illustrated Prescription, being extremely important for dissemination of the visual model for prescribing.