Dolinsky, D., Gross, S. M., & Deutsch, T. (1983). Application of psychological principles to the design of written patient information. American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 40(2), 266-271.

Dolinsky, D.; Gross, S.; Deutsch, T.

1983

Dolinsky, D., Gross, S. M., & Deutsch, T. (1983). Application of psychological principles to the design of written patient information. American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 40(2), 266-271.

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Psychological principles of writing were applied to the design of written patient medication information, and the extent to which these principles helped patients understand and recognize information about their medication was evaluated. Medication information sheets for ampicillin and methyldopa were designed using two formats: (1) a read-organize-attend (ROA) format, and (2) an easy-to-read (R) format. Two hundred seventy-one patients, who were given prescriptions for either drug were randomly assigned to one of three groups:(1) a ROA group which received the information in the ROA formant, (2) a R group, which received the information in the R format, and (3) a control group, which did not receive any written information. A sorting task measured the patients' recognition of the information, and a simulation task measured the patients' ability to apply the information to situations involving the use of the drug. Following these tasks, the patients were asked about their educational level and if they had taken the drug before. There were no significant differences in either simulation scores or sorting scores between the ROA and R groups or between the two groups and the control group. Neither previous experience with the medication or educational level influenced the patients' ability to recognize the medication information. Patients who received written information were less likely to attribute false information to the medication than the patients who did not receive written material; the ROA format was more effective than the R format. Written patient medication information designed using psychological principles of writing were effective in reducing patients' false alarms about their medication.

Patients receiving written information learned no more than patients who did not receive written information. Those receiving medication information were significantly less likely to report false information about the drug. The ROA format (revised version with all the principles applied) was more effective than the R format (readable version).

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