The pandemic has exposed flaws in services for people who can’t easily access a drive-through window for Covid shots or testing or can’t read prescription labels.
A brief overview of the history of accessible prescription labeling standards development and legislation followed by overview of current bills in various states. This presentation was given during the National Federation of the Blind's annual 2021 Convention.
A conversation about vision loss resources, managing diabetes with vision loss, and maintaining your mental health well being.
As the U.S. population of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) residents grows, several state legislatures have enacted laws requiring pharmacies to provide prescription labels in the language of the patient’s choice to ensure medication safety and adherence.
The author of a recent blog published by Pharmacy Times,
highlights some of the benefits these multi-lingual labels can provide
patients. For example, these labels can help drive down patient
medication-related errors and drive up medication adherence as patients better
understand label instructions.
For a full look at this article, click here.
The WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge: Medication without Harm was formally launched in 2017 and continues to strive toward the goal of reducing and eliminating medication related harm.
Doctors,
pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies, patients, and caregivers all work
together to be more aware and take action to eliminate risk factors.
More ideas and information are available on the WHO website:
https://www.who.int/initiatives/medication-without-harm.
Two Oregon nurses explain why it is vital that pharmacies provide prescription labels in the language their Limited English Proficiency patients are most comfortable understanding.
Kristen Beiers-Jones, RN, MN, from the Oregon Health Science University School of Nursing; and Kate Ballard, BSN, RN, have both worked directly with patients who speak English as a Second Language and struggle to understand their prescription label information. They've witnessed the errors that can occur and are leading a movement to improve patient safety for those with Limited English Proficiency through dual language medication labeling.
For more information, email the nurses at RxTranslationLaw@gmail.com.
Check out the World Health Organizations Global Campaign: Medication Without Harm which is designed to increase public awareness of the safety issues related to medication use and the need for safer medication practices. This campaign encourages everyone from doctors, pharmacists, caregivers and patients to take extra steps to know more about their medications, what they are for and how to safely use them. Get resources and find out more at: https://www.who.int/patientsafety/medication-safety/campaign/en/
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If a person with a visual or print impairment struggles to read a prescription label, it’s time for the pharmacy to take action. Accessible prescription labels have been available since 2003 and are options that any pharmacy can implement. Formats include large print labels, Braille labels, and talking labels and prescription readers. Controlled Substance Safety Labels (CSSLs) are the latest addition to the options that keep patients safe. The National Council on Disability features a guide to help pharmacists with providing labeling accommodations: Best Practices for Prescription Drug Labeling 