Enabling patients by listening to them | Karel van der Waarde | TEDxHSLU | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Medicine leaflets in Europe are often illegible and confusing, failing to provide patients with clear instructions. Revising the legislation and involving patients in the design process is crucial to improve the usability of medication information.

Key Insights

• 🖤 Medicine leaflets in Europe often lack crucial information, making it difficult for patients to understand how to take their medications.
• 💁 The current system of regulating medicine focuses more on efficacy and safety rather than the usability of medication information.
• 😘 Patients, particularly the elderly and those with low health literacy, face significant challenges in understanding medication instructions.
• 🥺 Non-compliance with medication due to poor information leads to ineffective treatment and potential health risks.
• ❓ The current system of producing billions of leaflets annually, most of which are immediately discarded, is unsustainable and wasteful.
• 💁 Information for patients must be accessible and inclusive, designed to meet the diverse needs and abilities of individuals.
• 💁 Revising European legislation to prioritize patient-centered information and involving patients in the design process is crucial for improving medication information.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: Why are medicine leaflets in Europe often poorly written and confusing?

Medicine leaflets in Europe are often poorly written and confusing because they are not given enough attention during the regulatory process. European medicine agencies prioritize medicine efficacy and safety, but not the usability of the leaflets.

Q: Are there any regulations regarding the clarity and understandability of medicine leaflets?

Yes, European legislation states that medicine leaflets must be clear and understandable. However, the current leaflets fail to adhere to this requirement.

Q: How does the lack of clear instructions on medicine leaflets impact patients?

The lack of clear instructions on medicine leaflets can lead to improper medication usage, resulting in adverse health effects, hospitalization, and even death.

Q: What can be done to improve the usability of medication information for patients?

To improve the usability of medication information, it is essential to involve patients in the design process. By prioritizing patient-centered information, medication instructions can be made clearer, more accessible, and easier to understand.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Most medicine boxes in Europe lack important information about the medication, leading to confusion and improper use.

• Inside the boxes, leaflets contain extensive text, lacking clarity and not providing clear instructions.

• European medicine agencies are responsible for regulating medicines but pay less attention to the quality and usability of medication information.