More than half of patients lack confidence in their ability to properly
take new medications as directed, according to a new
survey. When patients answered how they would like to learn about new medications, written materials came in dead last.
“Rather than rely on written handouts from doctors and pharmacists, we
must take advantage of technologies like smartphones and patient portals to
deliver impactful, customized details about prescribed medications,” says
Cameron Deemer, president of the company that completed the survey.
Videos would be one avenue. Physicians and pharmacists are short on
time, so a safety video, especially when it comes to controlled substances,
could make a huge difference in adherence and patient safety.
New to the market is a pharmacy label option: Controlled Substance
Safety Label (CSSL). This auxiliary label distinguishes a Schedule II
medication, calling attention to the addictive nature and risk for overdose,
and reinforcing the need for caution when taking the drug.
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| Try it now: scan the QR code to play safety video |
A CSSL features a QR code which, when scanned, plays a brief safety
video, detailing a drug’s instructions, side effects and warnings in an easy-to-understand
audio and visual format.
Anyone, no matter their level of reading comprehension or sensory
input, would benefit from a CSSL label when prescribed a dangerous drug.
CSSLs are available across the US and Canada at participating
pharmacies by request.