Roberto Cardarelli|Christopher Mann|Kimberly Fulda|Elizabeth Balyakina|Anna Espinoza|Sue Lurie
Improving accuracy of medication identification in an older population using a medication bottle color symbol label system
University of North Texas|Prevention Institute|University of North Texas Health Science Center|University of North Texas|Texas College|University of North Texas Health Science Center|University of North Texas|Prevention Institute|University of North Texas Health Science Center|University of North Texas|Prevention Institute|University of North Texas Health Science Center|University of North Texas|Prevention Institute|University of North Texas Health Science Center|University of North Texas|University of North Texas Health Science Center
purpose pilot study evaluate refine adjuvant system colorspecific symbols added medication bottles assess whether system would increase ability patients 65 years age older matching medication indication prescribedthis study conducted two phases consisting three focus groups patients family medicine clinic n 25 prepost medication identification test second group patient participants n 100 results focus group discussions used refine medication label symbols according themes messages identified qualitative triangulation mechanisms data analysis techniques prepost medication identification test conducted second phase study assess differences standard labeling alone addition refined colorspecific symbols prepost test examined impact added labels participants ability accurately match medication indication prescribed placed front participants distance two feetparticipants appreciated addition visual aid existing medication labels would necessary learn completely new system labeling generally found colors symbols used proposed labeling system easy understand relevant concerns raised space constraints medication bottles much information bottle remember colors meant symbols colors modified found unclear inappropriate focus group participants prepost medication identification test results second set participants demonstrated addition symbol label significantly improved ability participants match medication appropriate medical indication distance two feet p 0001 approached significant improvement placed directly front participants p 007the proposed medication symbol label system provides promising adjunct national efforts addressing issue medication misuse home improvement medication labeling research necessary determine effectiveness labeling system realworld settings