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Study: Physicians often fail to give medication instructions

Medical Staff Leader Connection, September 26, 2006

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Physicians frequently failed to communicate specific instructions to patients about newly prescribed medications, including dosing, adverse effects and how long to take the medication, in a study of outpatient encounters at two California healthcare systems published Sept. 26 in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

According to the observational study of 185 outpatient encounters, physicians explicitly instructed patients about the number of tablets just 55% of the time, and explained the frequency or timing of dosing just 58% of the time. Physicians addressed adverse effects only 35% of the time, and explained how long to take the medication in just 34% of cases. Physicians gave patients the specific medication name 74% of the time, and explained the purpose of the medication 87% of the time.

The lack of adequate communication to patients about medication use could result in progression of disease and treatment failure, the authors reported. Patients who report better general physician communication, better explanations about how and when to take their medication, and more medication information, are more adherent to their treatment.

Misuse of medications can result in

• adverse drug events
• drug overdose or underuse
• unnecessary hospitalizations and prescriptions
• higher costs

To read the article abstract, click here.

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