How do patients identify their drugs?
This survey conducted by FMP trainees in Queensland describes how general practice patients on long term, self administered medications identify their drugs. Trade names are by far the most common means of identification. Generic names and identification by action, colour, and shape and common usage names are less frequently used. Knowledge of alternative trade and generic names is sparse, emphasising the need to inform patients fully of any changes to the brand names of their drugs.
Yelland
M J
MJ
Veitch
P C
PC
D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D011793:Queensland; D012651:Self Medication; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations