Measuring patients' self-efficacy in understanding and using prescription medication.

Objective: To create a brief assessment tool, the Medication Understanding and Use Self-Efficacy Scale (MUSE).

Methods: An existing scale (Communication and Attitudinal Self-Efficacy Scale) was modified, augmented, and piloted among 267 primary care patients in Chicago, New York City, and Shreveport, LA. Participant sociodemographics, literacy, current medication use, understanding medication instructions, and medication self-efficacy were measured.