The Medium Is the Message: How Do Canadian University Students Want Digital Medication Information?

Debra Sheets,Andre Kushniruk,Jeff Barnett,Elizabeth Borycki,Helen Monkman,Christian Nøhr

doi:10.3390/life10120339

Debra Sheets, Andre Kushniruk + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/life10120339

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Abstract

(1) Background: To facilitate optimal prescription medication benefits and safety, it is important that people are informed about their prescription medications. As we shift towards using the digital medium to communicate medication information, it is important to address the needs and preferences of different user groups so that they are more likely to read and use this information. In this study, we examined what digital medication information (DMI) format Canadian University students want and why. (2) Methods: This study was a qualitative investigation of young (aged 18–35) Canadian University students’ (N = 36) preferences and rationale supporting these preferences with respect to three potential formats for providing DMI: email, a mobile application (app), and online. Reported advantages and disadvantages of each of the three DMI formats were identified and categorized into unique themes. (3) Results: Findings from this study suggest that Canadian University Students most want to receive DMI by email, followed by a mobile app, and finally they were least receptive to online DMI. Participants provided diverse themes of reasons supporting their preferences. (4) Conclusions: Different user groups may have different needs with respect to receiving DMI. The themes from this study suggest that using a formative evaluation framework for assessing different DMI formats may be useful in future research. Email may be the best way to share DMI with younger, generally healthy, Canadian University students who are on few medications. Further research is required to explore whether other mediums for DMI are more appropriate for users with other characteristics (e.g., older and less educated) and contexts (e.g., polypharmacy and complex conditions). Given the flexibility of digital information, DMI could plausibly be provided in multiple formats and could allow users to choose the option they like best and would be most likely to use.

Highlights

Prescription medication use is common globally and per capita pharmaceutical spending is trending upward internationally [2]
The themes from this study suggest that using a formative evaluation framework for assessing different digital medication information (DMI) formats may be useful in future research
We identified and defined all of the common themes and for each DMI format noted which themes were discussed by participants and whether they were regarded as advantageous or disadvantageous, or both

Summary

Introduction

Prescription medication use is common globally and per capita pharmaceutical spending is trending upward internationally [2]. Taking any medication has inherent risks and benefits. To increase safety and appropriate use of taking prescription medications, people need to be informed. People need to know (a) whether they feel comfortable taking the medication given its associated risks and benefits (b) how to administer the medication, and (c) how to recognize and respond if side effects or allergic reactions occur. There are several different ways medication information about prescriptions is communicated to people. People may receive verbal counselling from their prescribers (e.g., doctors, nurse practitioners) when the prescription is written as well as from pharmacists when the prescription is picked up. Where necessary, warning labels are affixed to the medication packages themselves to highlight important aspects related to medication taking behaviour

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Discussion

Conclusion