Sources of Drug Information and the Rate of Reading Patient Information Leaflets by Medical Sciences Students

Ameneh Nasiri,Seyed Soheil Saeedi Saravi,Bahareh Gholami Chaboki,Mojgan Nazari

doi:10.34172/ijer.2020.32

Abstract

Background and aims: Patient information leaflets (PILs) are the best form of written information transfer. The aim of this study was to investigate the sources of drug information and the reading rate of PILs among medical sciences students.Methods: Three hundred students were entered in this cross-sectional study via simple random sampling at the Faculty of Paramedical, Nursing and Midwifery of Guilan University of Medical Sciences in 2018.Results: The participants considered the physician as the most reliable source for receiving drug information. Pharmacists, PILs, and the Internet were mentioned as the next sources, respectively. About 15.3% of people always read PILs. Students used PILs along with other sources of drug information.Conclusion: The type of medication and the individuals’ need for the type of information, along with the structure and presentation of the materials in the PILs, are all contributing factors.

Highlights

During the treatment process, knowing the drug and controlling how it is used can be done via oral or written instructions
Patient information leaflets (PILs) cannot replace communication with a physician,[1] they are the best tool for educating patients so that they can use their medications in the best way and benefit from the treatment.[4]
Since receiving information from other sources and physical characteristics of drug leaflets can affect the rate of reading patient information leaflets (PILs), it has been tried in this study to investigate other sources to receive drug information and some effective features in studying PILs

Summary

Introduction

During the treatment process, knowing the drug and controlling how it is used can be done via oral or written instructions. There is the possibility that information is forgotten, not well understood by people, or there will not be enough time to convey information.[1,2] patients today seek to receive written information.[3] patient information leaflets (PILs) cannot replace communication with a physician,[1] they are the best tool for educating patients so that they can use their medications in the best way and benefit from the treatment.[4]. The results of this study will be used for improvement in the practice of drug leaflets, and increase in the rate of reading PILs in the community. The aim of this study was to investigate the sources of drug information and the reading rate of PILs among medical sciences students.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion