Although Target’s ClearRx was implemented four years ago, little research has been done to measure the effect of the new design. Shrank et al found no significant changes in adherence of chronic medication in two populations of ClearRx customers http://tinyurl.com/laevov. Further evaluation of the ClearRx label’s effect on patient safety, understanding, and adherence is still necessary. It will be interesting to see if other companies follow Target’s lead in developing a systems-based prescription packaging solution. Especially without evidence-based data to back up the need for improvement.

Janna, In 2007, the FDA implemented new regulations involving the medication paperwork you’ve described as confusing and scary http://tinyurl.com/nnwp8k. Though it’s hard to imagine that you’ll see changes any time soon since the FDA merely suggests that drug makers comply with the new labeling requirements and only on a voluntary basis. Alas, a step forward, if only a baby step.

I like the way you described information needs in terms of workflow. I suspect that emergency situations (poison control, or emergency responders) might present another discrete need. In addition to workflow, a truly holistic prescription information solution might attempt to close the loop back to outcomes by helping to track adherence, efficacy, and side effects.

First of all, there’s the whole problem of timeliness of information. You need different information for:
- preparing the prescription
- pickup
- organizing the prescription
- taking the prescription
- reordering

Not all of that information needs to be visible at all times. In fact, pharmacy / reordering information could be in fortune-cookie strip on this inside, not on the label.

Secondly, the information a pharmacist needs is different from that of a patient or a caregiver. The one-size-fits-all approach needs to be rethought.

Even the best typography and layout won’t help with information overload in a limited amount of real estate. Labels need to be rethought and designed more like software or mobile interfaces, where you onyl see the information you need, when you need it.

I also wish someone would re-design the horrible paperwork that comes with medications. It’s confusing and scary. We need a consistent set of icons and, again, a hierarchy of information.

I’ve looked into smart packaging that would tell a user when to take a pill and what side effects to expect. One might even give a window of efficacy … a bottle would give a warning sound if you try to open it outside the suggested dose times.

A few more links for you: http://www.orcatech.org/papers/EMBS_07_Lundell.pdf

And we have a chapter in this book on some pill reminder design: http://tinyurl.com/pg3ere

It’s a fascinating conundrum, isn’t it? Too much information to be included on a conveniently sized bottle, but the info is also too important to be left off.

What if we envision the future a little further out?… What about an embedded chip? Bottle could be read by a networked scanner at home, and all related info displayed on tv/computer/phone screen or a digital photo frame. One can imagine voice reminders, automated re-orders, links to MDs office. Perhaps the scanner could even identify spilled pills and show a picture of the correct bottle.

BUT, one interesting aspect to prescription packaging and label design are the thorny systems issues. For instance: regulatory issues (child-proof caps); required changes to pharmacy management software; and who bears cost of more expensive packaging (and design), etc.?

We received updated information from some experts and researchers in the field today, including studies on efficacy of redesigned labels…we’ll update the blog posting when we can.

Some ideas, in addition to the name of the med and directions on how/when to take being clear and large:

“Shudder to think” that some may not not what amoxicillin is. Meaning a simple definition should be included: “Antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections”. For example…

Why not have a picture of the pill on the outside, so that you don’t have to look inside to see what they look like, and you can use the bottle to identify pills that turn up.

If it is a generic could the brand name which it replaces be referenced?

I do think it would be great to have side effects, interactions and warnings clearly and plainly described as is suggested in this article.

How about a URL for more information?

Reference a “PatientsLikeMe” type of website to see what people think about this drug.

The color codes could be used for different family members or for different conditions.

Again – great topic – thanks!