title: Beyond needs and expectations: identifying the barriers and facilitators to written medicine information provision and use in Australia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to explore peoples' needs and expectations of written medicines information (WMI), and to determine the barriers and facilitators experienced or perceived in the context of WMI provision and use.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted eight focus groups with 62 participants over 6 weeks in late 2008 in New South Wales, Australia. Using a semi-structured topic schedule and examples of WMI from Australia and other English-speaking countries as a guide, we explored themes relevant to WMI, including participant experiences, attitudes, beliefs and expectations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our findings suggest less than half had previously received WMI, with many unaware of its availability. Many, but not all, wanted WMI to supplement the spoken information they received but not to replace it, and it was predominantly used to facilitate informed choice, ascertain medicine suitability and review instructions. The current leaflets were considered technical and long, and a summary leaflet in addition to comprehensive information was favoured. Accurate side-effect information was the most important element that participants desired. The most common barriers to effective WMI use were time constraints and patient confidence, with participants citing empowerment, time and health-care professional (HCP)-patient relationships as important facilitators.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings provide insight and understanding of peoples needs and expectations, and clarify issues associated with use and non-use of WMI. Challenges include addressing the barriers, especially of time and HCP attitudes to drive changes to workplace practices, and learning from the facilitating factors to encourage awareness and accessibility to WMI as a tool to empower patients.
authors.affiliation: PhD Candidate, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, NSW, AustraliaAssociate Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, NSW, AustraliaProfessor of Pharmacy Practice, School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
authors.forename: Kim K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Hamrosi
authors.forename: Parisa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Aslani
authors.forename: David K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Raynor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009517:New South Wales; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations
chemical_list: D055553:Prescription Drugs