Workshop A

Using Talking and Translated Prescription Labels to Improve Medication Adherence and Outcomes

Verbal medication counseling, while essential, has limited efficacy. Patient education can be declined, information is limited in scope, and patients may have limited memory capability especially if they are not feeling well or are under stress. Patients may also have limited English proficiency, be hard of hearing, or auditory processing or learning preferences.

Once home, most patients rely on the printed prescription label and data sheets for directions and correct usage of their prescription medications. However, printed data is inaccessible to many people due to language barriers, visual impairment, or other print disabilities; for others it has limited efficacy compared to other methods of learning.

Studies and clinical experience are showing that providing prescription label information in a format in alternative formats is crucial to health literacy, safe medication management and successful medication outcomes. Participants will be encouraged to share their experience using alternative label formats to improve medication adherence and safety outcomes.

This special interest group will also discuss best practices for using talking, translated and dual language prescription labels to supplement the legal printed prescription label.

We will discuss how to find which pharmacies are already providers of these ADA and civil right accommodations and how to advocate for them if you do not already have a provider in your area.