Patients are not properly briefed on side effects of medicines, warns study
In its Patient Attitudes survey, the IPA found 21% get their information from unregulated sources such as friends, family, the media and internet. One in five did not read the information leaflet included with their medicine.
Those least likely to read these leaflets are the very young (15-24) or the elderly (65+) which, according to the IPA, could have a serious effect on their subsequent treatment outcomes.
One-third of those questioned claimed their doctor did not explain the options with regard to different types of medication available to treat their condition. Just 56% of doctors and 34% of pharmacists briefed their patients on the side effects of medicine.
IPA chairman Stephen McMahon said they were extremely concerned about the research findings.
“People have a right to be fully informed about their health and the medicines they take, yet there is clearly an information gap.
“We know that people who are more informed about their health are more involved in their health care decisions and subsequently are more likely to understand their medicines. As a result, these people take their medicine correctly and have better health outcomes. What is required is a seamless stream of ‘reliable information’ to patients.”
Tim Delaney, head of pharmacy at Tallaght Hospital said: “The research shows patients rely heavily on verbal information from doctors and pharmacists, perhaps due to the lack of written information other than package inserts which are limited in size, can be difficult to read and are not available to the doctor at the time of prescribing.
“In order to get the most out of these relationships, people should make a note of any questions they have about their medication and then discuss them with their doctor or pharmacist.”
The survey, carried out by Lansdowne Market Research and sponsored by an educational grant from Merck Sharp & Dohme Ireland (Human Health) Ltd, found some patients find the in-pack leaflet difficult to understand, which can have an impact on how they take their medication.
Nearly all patients (eight out of 10) agreed the general public should have greater access to information on prescription medicines.
The research was carried out in 60 locations involving 1,200 patients and 581 interviews.
