Consumer opinions on medicines information and factors affecting its use — an Australian experience

Abstract

Abstract Background Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is brand-specific, written drug information produced by pharmaceutical companies and intended for consumers in Australia. The content of CMI is defined in legal regulations. Objectives This exploratory study investigated: (a) consumers' awareness, perceptions and modes of CMI use, (b) the impact of CMI on consumers, and (c) possible factors affecting CMI use. Methods Six focus groups (n=57 consumers) were conducted. Discussions were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Setting Metropolitan Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Key findings Most participants were aware of written information about prescription medications but were unfamiliar with the term “CMI”. Few had experienced a health care professional providing or discussing CMI but most had read it and found it useful. There were many suggestions for improvements to the format and content of CMI to increase its “user-friendliness”. CMI had caused anxiety in some participants but increased awareness of their medications in others. Several factors appeared to increase the likelihood of CMI use: information-oriented coping mechanism, severe disease, internal locus of control, appropriate timing of information provision, and care-giver role. Conversely, difficulty in reading and understanding CMI, confidence in health care professionals and perceived “problem-free” therapies appeared to reduce CMI use. Conclusions Although consumers were aware of and read written drug information, there was limited interaction with a health professional when written information was provided.