Effect of standardized, patient-centered label instructions to improve comprehension of prescription drug use.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of standardized, patient-centered label (PCL) instructions to improve comprehension of prescription drug use compared with typical instructions.

Methods: A total of 500 adult patients recruited from 2 academic and 2 community primary care clinics in Chicago, IL and Shreveport, LA were assigned to receive as follows: (1) standard prescription instructions written as times per day (once, twice 3 times per day) (usual care), (2) PCL instructions that specify explicit timing with standard intervals (morning, noon, evening, bedtime) (PCL), or (3) PCL instructions with a graphic aid to visually depict dose and timing of the medication (PCL + Graphic). The outcome was correct interpretation of label instructions.

Improving prescription drug warnings to promote patient comprehension.

Background: Prior studies have documented a high prevalence of patients who misunderstand prescription drug warning labels, placing them at risk for medication error. We evaluated whether the use of "enhanced print" drug warnings could improve patient comprehension beyond a current standard.

Methods: An evaluation of enhanced print warning labels was conducted at 2 academic and 2 community health primary care clinics in Chicago, Illinois, and Shreveport, Louisiana.

Literacy and learning in health care.

The relationship between literacy and health outcomes are well documented in adult medicine, yet specific causal pathways are not entirely clear. Despite an incomplete understanding of the problem, numerous interventions have already been implemented with variable success. Many of those who proposed earlier strategies assumed the problem to originate from reading difficulties only.

Education, literacy, and health: Mediating effects on hypertension knowledge and control.

Objective: To determine whether literacy mediates the association between education, hypertension knowledge and control.

Methods: In-person interviews with a literacy assessment and chart review were conducted with 330 hypertensive patients from six primary care safety net clinics. Mediational analysis was used to test the role of literacy skills in explaining the relationship between education and hypertension knowledge and control.

Provider and patient intervention to improve weight loss: a pilot study in a public hospital clinic.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of a literacy-appropriate weight loss intervention targeting providers and patients in improving physicians' weight loss counseling and patients' self-reported beliefs, and self-efficacy.

Methods: The study took place in a public hospital nephrology clinic. The intervention included two physician workshops and a small group patient education.