Jan. 26, 2010 Replacing confusing language and icons on standard
warnings labels for prescription medicine and listing only the
most important warnings could make a big difference in how well
patients understand the instructions that are critical to their
health, according to a new study from Northwestern University
Feinberg School of Medicine. Simple, concise language on warning
labels of prescription medicine bottles is easier for patients
to understand than the standard wording commonly used, according
to the study. And the fewer warnings on a label, the more likely
a patient will actually pay attention to them. For the study,
Northwestern researchers and colleagues worked with patients and
nationally renowned graphic designers to simplify and redesign
the confusing language and icons of standard warning labels.
Many of them have been used for decades without any evidence to
show patients comprehend them, or even if they are true. "The
study shows the value of a clear message," said Michael Wolf,
associate