A generic instruction sheet is not always adequate. Practical tips are always included to manage the medication, common side effects and the disease. Each program uses different patient counseling and motivational techniques to improve patient compliance. Patients are encouraged to take more responsibility for the management of their drug therapies between office visits. Unique patient monitoring tools are developed for each program.
Special attention is given to the role of the family members and caregivers.
Each program is peer-reviewed and many are endorsed by national organizations. According to Dr. Smith, drug information for patients should not be rigidly standardized. Prescription drug instructions will be more effective if the information is tailored to the specific disease being treated as well as the target patient population. For example, patient information materials for a medication used to treat asthma would be written and designed very differently for adolescent than for geriatric patients. There is definitely a need to develop patient information programs that will help patients manage their medications in the context of their disease.