Electronically produced information leaflets increase patients' understanding of antibiotics

Abstract

The effects of electronically produced patient information leaflets on the understanding of and compliance with antibiotic medication were studied in 15 pharmacies in Finland. The study subjects (n=500) were randomly divided into two groups, the control group receiving only verbal information and the intervention group receiving both verbal and electronically produced written information. A few days later the participants were interviewed by telephone. In the intervention group the patient's understanding about the proper use and adverse effects of the medication was better than in the control group. Enhanced awareness of possible adverse effects of the medication did not lead the patients in the intervention group to interrupt their antibiotic medication. Electronically produced written material is easy to administer, and it can be an important counselling aid for pharmacists.