title: Basic drug information given by physicians is deficient, and patients' knowledge low.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our aim was to assess basic drug information given by physicians when prescribing new topical medication and to compare this with outpatients' subsequent knowledge.
  
  
  METHODS
  Basic drug information was noted during consultations. Subsequently, patients answered a questionnaire regarding diagnosis, treatment, and satisfaction with the consultation. Neither physicians nor patients were informed about the specific study objective.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 17 patients were included. Information provided during the consultations versus patients' knowledge after 2 weeks was: diagnosis (65% vs 41%), dosage by number (100% vs 71%), dosage by quantity (18% vs 12%), and treatment duration (65% vs 35%). None was informed about adverse effects and 47% were fully satisfied with the consultation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Basic drug information provided by physicians was deficient and patients' knowledge was even lower.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark. astorm@dadlnet.dk
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Storm
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Benfeldt
authors.forename: Stig Ejdrup
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.forename: Jørgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Andersen
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents