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New drug information brochures: a tool for patient education
Journal de Pharmacie Clinique. Volume 29, Number 2, 108-12, avril-mai-juin 2010, Dossier « Éducation thérapeutique »
Résumé Article gratuit
Author(s) : Laurence Bouffette, Christine Fernandez
Summary : The percentage of patients achieving optimal compliance with drug therapy in chronic diseases is quite low (about 50%) and becomes a genuine problem of public health. Many patient education programmes are being organized and healthcare professionals are being trained to build programs and actions, according to French health authorities (HAS, Haute autorité de santé) recommendations. The purpose of this work was to design information brochures about the most widely prescribed drugs in chronic disease management. These documents were elaborated by a multidisciplinary expert group. Their aim was to provide patients with specific comprehensive drug information in order to increase their own competencies related to the management of their chronic disease and its treatment. It is expected that such an initiative will result in a better compliance and consequently a better control of the disease. About 50 brochures were written and evaluated by a group of 32 patients. Most of them found them “interesting” or “very interesting”. This new tool can help and improve the communication between health care professionals and patients. They can provide answers to unasked questions from patients and can be used during individual consultations or group activities. Instructions for use are currently being written.
Keywords : therapeutic patient education, tools, information, drugs

New drug information brochures: a tool for patient education