‘Yummy or crummy?': the multisensory components of medicines-taking among HIV-positive youth
- Hodes, Rebecca, Vale, Beth, Toska, Elona, Cluver, Lucie, Dowse, Roslind, Ashorn, Mikael
- Authors: Hodes, Rebecca , Vale, Beth , Toska, Elona , Cluver, Lucie , Dowse, Roslind , Ashorn, Mikael
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156663 , vital:40036 , DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2018.1504103
- Description: The global rollout of Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) has revealed an urgent need to understand the medicines-taking practices of HIV-positive adolescents. In the last decade, the literature on the social determinants of health has broadened the evidence-base on ART adherence. Interdisciplinary studies have expanded conceptions of medicines-taking beyond clinical or health systems frameworks, recognising the importance of socio-structural conditions and of patients’ beliefs and experiences. Participatory research techniques which foreground the perspectives of adolescents provide greater insights still into their adherence. This article explores the use of participatory methods within a broader study on the social determinants of ART adherence among HIV-positive adolescents in South Africa. We describe how participatory methods were incorporated into this study (n = 1,059 in the quantitative baseline). We focus on an exercise, ‘Yummy or crummy?’, that explored the multisensory dimensions of medicines-taking, including their colour, smell, shape, and delivery mechanism. We describe two principal findings: first, adolescents’ preference for greater understanding of the chemical workings of medicines, manifested in their preferences for colour, taste and shape of medicines; and second, the vital relationship between sensory preferences and the social imperatives of discretion and confidentiality regarding HIV-status.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hodes, Rebecca , Vale, Beth , Toska, Elona , Cluver, Lucie , Dowse, Roslind , Ashorn, Mikael
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156663 , vital:40036 , DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2018.1504103
- Description: The global rollout of Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) has revealed an urgent need to understand the medicines-taking practices of HIV-positive adolescents. In the last decade, the literature on the social determinants of health has broadened the evidence-base on ART adherence. Interdisciplinary studies have expanded conceptions of medicines-taking beyond clinical or health systems frameworks, recognising the importance of socio-structural conditions and of patients’ beliefs and experiences. Participatory research techniques which foreground the perspectives of adolescents provide greater insights still into their adherence. This article explores the use of participatory methods within a broader study on the social determinants of ART adherence among HIV-positive adolescents in South Africa. We describe how participatory methods were incorporated into this study (n = 1,059 in the quantitative baseline). We focus on an exercise, ‘Yummy or crummy?’, that explored the multisensory dimensions of medicines-taking, including their colour, smell, shape, and delivery mechanism. We describe two principal findings: first, adolescents’ preference for greater understanding of the chemical workings of medicines, manifested in their preferences for colour, taste and shape of medicines; and second, the vital relationship between sensory preferences and the social imperatives of discretion and confidentiality regarding HIV-status.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Written medicines information for South African HIV/AIDS patients: does it enhance understanding of co-trimoxazole therapy?
- Mansoor, Leila E, Dowse, Roslind
- Authors: Mansoor, Leila E , Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156860 , vital:40059 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1093/her/cyl039
- Description: Written information to promote patient education is being increasingly recognized as an integral part of quality health care. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of distributing a patient information leaflet (PIL) on knowledge acquisition and recall. Two different PILs were designed for co-trimoxazole tablets: a simple, shorter PIL that incorporated pictograms and text and a text-only PIL that was longer and more complex. Human immunodeficiency virus-positive participants on chronic co-trimoxazole therapy were enrolled from five local primary health care clinics in Grahamstown, South Africa, and were randomly allocated to a Control Group (no PIL), Group A (text-only PIL) or Group B (simple PIL with pictograms).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mansoor, Leila E , Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156860 , vital:40059 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1093/her/cyl039
- Description: Written information to promote patient education is being increasingly recognized as an integral part of quality health care. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of distributing a patient information leaflet (PIL) on knowledge acquisition and recall. Two different PILs were designed for co-trimoxazole tablets: a simple, shorter PIL that incorporated pictograms and text and a text-only PIL that was longer and more complex. Human immunodeficiency virus-positive participants on chronic co-trimoxazole therapy were enrolled from five local primary health care clinics in Grahamstown, South Africa, and were randomly allocated to a Control Group (no PIL), Group A (text-only PIL) or Group B (simple PIL with pictograms).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Using visuals to communicate medicine information to patients with low literacy:
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156958 , vital:40073 , https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/104515950401500106
- Description: The patient was adamant that she had taken her medicine as instructed, pointing to the visual (Visual 1) illustrating the instructions to endorse this. Via an interpreter, she communicated that she took her tablet three times during the day and once at night (which was correct), but only on those days when the sun was shining (not on cloudy days) and the moon was visible (depending on both cloud cover and phases of the moon).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156958 , vital:40073 , https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/104515950401500106
- Description: The patient was adamant that she had taken her medicine as instructed, pointing to the visual (Visual 1) illustrating the instructions to endorse this. Via an interpreter, she communicated that she took her tablet three times during the day and once at night (which was correct), but only on those days when the sun was shining (not on cloudy days) and the moon was visible (depending on both cloud cover and phases of the moon).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Using pictograms in a patient information leaflet to communicate antiretroviral medicines information to HIV/AIDS patients in rural South Africa:
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156817 , vital:40053 , ISBN
- Description: The objectives were to design a simple, illustrated patient information leaflet for the antiretroviral regimen of stavudine, lamivudine and efavirenz and to evaluate its readability and acceptability in the local Xhosa population. In order to achieve this, a further objective was to design and evaluate illustrations to include in the patient information leaflet which were culturally acceptable and well interpreted. Illustrations or pictograms were designed to illustrate selected instructions appearing in the patient information leaflet and were individually tested in 30 Xhosa participants who had a maximum of 8 years of formal schooling. Results were used to improve the pictograms for inclusion in the patient information leaflet. The patient information leaflet was designed and tested in sixty Xhosa participants with varied levels of education who had stated they could read. Demographic data were collected and they were then asked to read the patient information leaflet, available in both English and isiXhosa, and a series of questions was asked to assess its comprehension and acceptability. The overall average rate of understanding was 95. Six of the 20 questions were located and understood by all participants, and only two questions resulted in less than an 85 correct response. Physical appearance and quantity of information were highly rated and all participants were enthusiastic about the inclusion of pictograms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156817 , vital:40053 , ISBN
- Description: The objectives were to design a simple, illustrated patient information leaflet for the antiretroviral regimen of stavudine, lamivudine and efavirenz and to evaluate its readability and acceptability in the local Xhosa population. In order to achieve this, a further objective was to design and evaluate illustrations to include in the patient information leaflet which were culturally acceptable and well interpreted. Illustrations or pictograms were designed to illustrate selected instructions appearing in the patient information leaflet and were individually tested in 30 Xhosa participants who had a maximum of 8 years of formal schooling. Results were used to improve the pictograms for inclusion in the patient information leaflet. The patient information leaflet was designed and tested in sixty Xhosa participants with varied levels of education who had stated they could read. Demographic data were collected and they were then asked to read the patient information leaflet, available in both English and isiXhosa, and a series of questions was asked to assess its comprehension and acceptability. The overall average rate of understanding was 95. Six of the 20 questions were located and understood by all participants, and only two questions resulted in less than an 85 correct response. Physical appearance and quantity of information were highly rated and all participants were enthusiastic about the inclusion of pictograms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Understanding the medicines information-seeking behaviour and information needs of South African long-term patients with limited literacy skills:
- Patel, Sonal, Dowse, Roslind
- Authors: Patel, Sonal , Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156676 , vital:40037 , doi: 10.1111/hex.12131
- Description: Although much health information‐seeking behaviour (HISB) research has been reported in patients with good literacy skills, little is known about HISB in patients with limited literacy skills served by under‐resourced health‐care systems. To investigate medicine information‐seeking behaviour and information needs in patients with limited literacy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Patel, Sonal , Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156676 , vital:40037 , doi: 10.1111/hex.12131
- Description: Although much health information‐seeking behaviour (HISB) research has been reported in patients with good literacy skills, little is known about HISB in patients with limited literacy skills served by under‐resourced health‐care systems. To investigate medicine information‐seeking behaviour and information needs in patients with limited literacy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The limitations of current health literacy measures for use in developing countries:
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156607 , vital:40030 , DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2016.1147742
- Description: Health literacy measures have largely emanated from developed countries, reflecting the characteristics of their economies, populations, and health systems. In contrast, it is disconcerting that health literacy appears to be so under-researched in developing countries (DCs), despite the likelihood of inadequate health literacy being endemic. In this commentary, I highlight some challenges when using existing health literacy measures in DCs and conclude with a summary of considerations when using/developing a tool for these populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156607 , vital:40030 , DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2016.1147742
- Description: Health literacy measures have largely emanated from developed countries, reflecting the characteristics of their economies, populations, and health systems. In contrast, it is disconcerting that health literacy appears to be so under-researched in developing countries (DCs), despite the likelihood of inadequate health literacy being endemic. In this commentary, I highlight some challenges when using existing health literacy measures in DCs and conclude with a summary of considerations when using/developing a tool for these populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The influence of education on the interpretation of pharmaceutical pictograms for communicating medicine instructions:
- Dowse, Roslind, Ehlers, Martina S
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ehlers, Martina S
- Date: 2003
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/157014 , vital:40079 , DOI 10.1211/002235702810
- Description: To assess the influence of formal education on the interpretation of pharmaceutical pictograms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ehlers, Martina S
- Date: 2003
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/157014 , vital:40079 , DOI 10.1211/002235702810
- Description: To assess the influence of formal education on the interpretation of pharmaceutical pictograms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
The impact of illustrated side effect information on understanding and sustained retention of antiretroviral side effect knowledge:
- Browne, Sara H, Barford, Kirsty-Lee, Ramela, Thato, Dowse, Roslind
- Authors: Browne, Sara H , Barford, Kirsty-Lee , Ramela, Thato , Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156341 , vital:39980 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2018.05.012
- Description: Prompt management of side effects is critical to supporting adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) medication. This study examines the impact of presenting side effect information using simple text combined with pictograms on sustained knowledge of ARV side effects over three months. Previously designed side effect pictograms, combined with simple text, were incorporated into a side effects panel within an ARV information leaflet. In a randomised controlled study, 116 limited literacy HIV patients taking ARVs were randomly allocated to either control (standard care) or intervention groups (standard care plus illustrated information). Side effect knowledge was assessed at baseline, and intervention patients received the illustrated leaflet. Knowledge was re-tested at one and three months. Interpretation of side effect pictograms was evaluated at one month.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Browne, Sara H , Barford, Kirsty-Lee , Ramela, Thato , Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156341 , vital:39980 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2018.05.012
- Description: Prompt management of side effects is critical to supporting adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) medication. This study examines the impact of presenting side effect information using simple text combined with pictograms on sustained knowledge of ARV side effects over three months. Previously designed side effect pictograms, combined with simple text, were incorporated into a side effects panel within an ARV information leaflet. In a randomised controlled study, 116 limited literacy HIV patients taking ARVs were randomly allocated to either control (standard care) or intervention groups (standard care plus illustrated information). Side effect knowledge was assessed at baseline, and intervention patients received the illustrated leaflet. Knowledge was re-tested at one and three months. Interpretation of side effect pictograms was evaluated at one month.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The evaluation of pharmaceutical pictograms in a low-literate South African population
- Dowse, Roslind, Ehlers, Martina S
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ehlers, Martina S
- Date: 2001
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6362 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006058
- Description: An inability to read and understand written medication instructions may be a major contributory factor to non-compliance in certain patient populations, particularly in countries with a high illiteracy rate such as South Africa. Twenty three pictograms from the USP-DI and a corresponding set of 23 locally developed, culturally sensitive pictograms for conveying medication instructions were evaluated in 46 Xhosa respondents who had attended school for a maximum of 7 years. Respondents were tested for their interpretation of all 46 pictograms at the first interview and again 3 weeks later. The correct meaning of each pictogram was explained at the end of the first interview. Preference for either the Local or USP pictograms was determined. At the follow-up interview, 20 of the Local pictograms complied with the ANSI criterion of ≥85% comprehension, compared with 11 of the USP pictograms. Respondents indicated an overwhelming preference for the Local pictograms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ehlers, Martina S
- Date: 2001
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6362 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006058
- Description: An inability to read and understand written medication instructions may be a major contributory factor to non-compliance in certain patient populations, particularly in countries with a high illiteracy rate such as South Africa. Twenty three pictograms from the USP-DI and a corresponding set of 23 locally developed, culturally sensitive pictograms for conveying medication instructions were evaluated in 46 Xhosa respondents who had attended school for a maximum of 7 years. Respondents were tested for their interpretation of all 46 pictograms at the first interview and again 3 weeks later. The correct meaning of each pictogram was explained at the end of the first interview. Preference for either the Local or USP pictograms was determined. At the follow-up interview, 20 of the Local pictograms complied with the ANSI criterion of ≥85% comprehension, compared with 11 of the USP pictograms. Respondents indicated an overwhelming preference for the Local pictograms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Suppositories: An underutilized dosage form
- Webster, Jessica A, Dowse, Roslind, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Webster, Jessica A , Dowse, Roslind , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184697 , vital:44264 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/AJA16836707_911"
- Description: The rectal route is useful for the delivery of both local acting and systemic drugs. In certain cases suppositories are the best form of therapy, or else they are an effective alternative when oral therapy is not possible. However; doctors rarely prescribe them and patients are often reluctant to use them. Understanding how suppositories work, and their numerous uses, can overcome the aversion to this particular dosage form. Pharmacists are in an ideal position to educate doctors, other health care providers, and patients, on the benefits of using suppositories and their correct use, and to offer advice on any problems associated with their use.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
- Authors: Webster, Jessica A , Dowse, Roslind , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184697 , vital:44264 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/AJA16836707_911"
- Description: The rectal route is useful for the delivery of both local acting and systemic drugs. In certain cases suppositories are the best form of therapy, or else they are an effective alternative when oral therapy is not possible. However; doctors rarely prescribe them and patients are often reluctant to use them. Understanding how suppositories work, and their numerous uses, can overcome the aversion to this particular dosage form. Pharmacists are in an ideal position to educate doctors, other health care providers, and patients, on the benefits of using suppositories and their correct use, and to offer advice on any problems associated with their use.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
Simple, illustrated medicines information improves ARV knowledge and patient self-efficacy in limited literacy South African HIV patients:
- Dowse, Roslind, Barford, Kirsty-Lee, Browne, Sara H
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Barford, Kirsty-Lee , Browne, Sara H
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156698 , vital:40039 , DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2014.931559
- Description: Few studies have investigated antiretroviral (ARV) knowledge and self-efficacy in limited literacy patients. Using a randomized controlled study design, we investigated the influence of a simple pre-tested patient information leaflet (PIL) containing both text and illustrations on HIV- and ARV-related knowledge and on self-efficacy over six months in a limited literacy African population. The recruited patients were randomly allocated to either control (standard care) or intervention group (standard care plus illustrated PIL). HIV and medicines-related knowledge was evaluated with a 22-question test at baseline, one, three, and six months. Self-efficacy was assessed using a modified version of the HIV Treatment Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Barford, Kirsty-Lee , Browne, Sara H
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156698 , vital:40039 , DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2014.931559
- Description: Few studies have investigated antiretroviral (ARV) knowledge and self-efficacy in limited literacy patients. Using a randomized controlled study design, we investigated the influence of a simple pre-tested patient information leaflet (PIL) containing both text and illustrations on HIV- and ARV-related knowledge and on self-efficacy over six months in a limited literacy African population. The recruited patients were randomly allocated to either control (standard care) or intervention group (standard care plus illustrated PIL). HIV and medicines-related knowledge was evaluated with a 22-question test at baseline, one, three, and six months. Self-efficacy was assessed using a modified version of the HIV Treatment Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Reflecting on patient-centred care in pharmacy through an illness narrative:
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156687 , vital:40038 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1007/s11096-015-0104-5
- Description: Patient-centred care (PCC) is rapidly adopting a central position in discussions on the quality of healthcare, with patient-centredness deemed essential to transforming the healthcare system. PCC speaks to the quality of patient-provider relationships and has been defined as an approach to providing care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values, while ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions. However its place within pharmacy practice is unclear and is as yet undefined, particularly in relation to pharmaceutical care. Through my personal illness narrative, I briefly explore the visibility and evidence of PCC in the pharmacy literature as well as from personal experience of pharmacy care, and find it lacking. I conclude that an integrated, seamless understanding of PCC and the use of shared language within the health professions is essential in successful teamwork with both the patient and with other health professions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156687 , vital:40038 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1007/s11096-015-0104-5
- Description: Patient-centred care (PCC) is rapidly adopting a central position in discussions on the quality of healthcare, with patient-centredness deemed essential to transforming the healthcare system. PCC speaks to the quality of patient-provider relationships and has been defined as an approach to providing care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values, while ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions. However its place within pharmacy practice is unclear and is as yet undefined, particularly in relation to pharmaceutical care. Through my personal illness narrative, I briefly explore the visibility and evidence of PCC in the pharmacy literature as well as from personal experience of pharmacy care, and find it lacking. I conclude that an integrated, seamless understanding of PCC and the use of shared language within the health professions is essential in successful teamwork with both the patient and with other health professions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Preferences of resettled refugees on pictograms describing common symptoms of illness:
- Bellamy, Kim, Dowse, Roslind, Ostini, Remo, Martini, Nataly, Kairuz, Therese
- Authors: Bellamy, Kim , Dowse, Roslind , Ostini, Remo , Martini, Nataly , Kairuz, Therese
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:40086 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1007/s10903-019-00908-3
- Description: Illustrated health resources are useful for people who have limited English linguistic ability. The aim was to compare the preferences of resettled refugees from Africa and non-African countries, on pictograms describing common symptoms of illness. Data were collected in two cities in Queensland, Australia. Participants indicated their preference for three types of pictograms depicting seven symptoms. Pictogram sources included the International Pharmaceutical Federation, royaltyfree stock images, and pictograms designed in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bellamy, Kim , Dowse, Roslind , Ostini, Remo , Martini, Nataly , Kairuz, Therese
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:40086 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1007/s10903-019-00908-3
- Description: Illustrated health resources are useful for people who have limited English linguistic ability. The aim was to compare the preferences of resettled refugees from Africa and non-African countries, on pictograms describing common symptoms of illness. Data were collected in two cities in Queensland, Australia. Participants indicated their preference for three types of pictograms depicting seven symptoms. Pictogram sources included the International Pharmaceutical Federation, royaltyfree stock images, and pictograms designed in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Pictograms in pharmacy:
- Dowse, Roslind, Ehlers, Martina S
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ehlers, Martina S
- Date: 1998
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/157048 , vital:40082 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1111/j.2042-7174.1998.tb00924.x
- Description: This review examines the use of pictograms in health care. Well designed pictograms are simple, clear, graphic symbols able to convey their intended meaning to all patients, including those who are illiterate, elderly or visually impaired. Although some research on the effectiveness of pictograms has not supported the hypothesis that pictograms are beneficial for the acquisition and comprehension of information, most studies investigating health‐related applications of pictograms have shown them to be of benefit in the comprehension and recall of instructions on prescription and over‐the‐counter medicines. However, the success of pictograms as a communication aid in pharmacy depends first on a rigorous design process, followed by well‐designed, randomised, controlled trials using an appropriate method of evaluation. The final stage is to investigate the optimal way of using pictograms in practice and to assess their effect on behavioural outcomes, such as compliance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ehlers, Martina S
- Date: 1998
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/157048 , vital:40082 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1111/j.2042-7174.1998.tb00924.x
- Description: This review examines the use of pictograms in health care. Well designed pictograms are simple, clear, graphic symbols able to convey their intended meaning to all patients, including those who are illiterate, elderly or visually impaired. Although some research on the effectiveness of pictograms has not supported the hypothesis that pictograms are beneficial for the acquisition and comprehension of information, most studies investigating health‐related applications of pictograms have shown them to be of benefit in the comprehension and recall of instructions on prescription and over‐the‐counter medicines. However, the success of pictograms as a communication aid in pharmacy depends first on a rigorous design process, followed by well‐designed, randomised, controlled trials using an appropriate method of evaluation. The final stage is to investigate the optimal way of using pictograms in practice and to assess their effect on behavioural outcomes, such as compliance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
Pictograms for conveying medicine instructions: comprehension in various South African language groups
- Dowse, Roslind, Ehlers, Martina S
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ehlers, Martina S
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6354 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006038
- Description: The comprehension of medicine instructions is essential for the safe and effective use of medicines. In cases where low literacy constitutes a possible barrier to understanding written medicine information fully, the inclusion of pictograms may facilitate comprehension. Twenty-three internationally available pictograms and 23 corresponding locally developed images were evaluated in 304 low-literate respondents from eight different South African language groups. Demographic data were collected and an English literacy test was administered to those respondents who had stated that they could read English. Interviewees were shown the 46 pictograms in random order and were asked for their interpretation. Preference for either the international or local version was assessed. Correct interpretation of individual pictograms ranged from 14% to 97%. Images which had been developed locally were more successful in eliciting correct interpretations than those obtained from an international source (USP pictograms). Only 2 of the 23 USP pictograms achieved the 85% criterion of the American National Standards Institute compared with 12 of 23 locally developed counterparts. Local pictograms were preferred over the American ones in all cases. Standard of education had a significant influence on interpretation, whereas no significant differences in interpretation could be attributed to cultural diversity between the African language groups. Almost all respondents (98%) reacted positively to the idea of having pictograms on their medicine labels. The success of the local pictograms highlighted the value of a rigorous and consultative design and test process. Results from one African language group can reliably be extrapolated to other groups in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ehlers, Martina S
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6354 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006038
- Description: The comprehension of medicine instructions is essential for the safe and effective use of medicines. In cases where low literacy constitutes a possible barrier to understanding written medicine information fully, the inclusion of pictograms may facilitate comprehension. Twenty-three internationally available pictograms and 23 corresponding locally developed images were evaluated in 304 low-literate respondents from eight different South African language groups. Demographic data were collected and an English literacy test was administered to those respondents who had stated that they could read English. Interviewees were shown the 46 pictograms in random order and were asked for their interpretation. Preference for either the international or local version was assessed. Correct interpretation of individual pictograms ranged from 14% to 97%. Images which had been developed locally were more successful in eliciting correct interpretations than those obtained from an international source (USP pictograms). Only 2 of the 23 USP pictograms achieved the 85% criterion of the American National Standards Institute compared with 12 of 23 locally developed counterparts. Local pictograms were preferred over the American ones in all cases. Standard of education had a significant influence on interpretation, whereas no significant differences in interpretation could be attributed to cultural diversity between the African language groups. Almost all respondents (98%) reacted positively to the idea of having pictograms on their medicine labels. The success of the local pictograms highlighted the value of a rigorous and consultative design and test process. Results from one African language group can reliably be extrapolated to other groups in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride
- Kanfer, Isadore, Haigh, John M, Dowse, Roslind
- Authors: Kanfer, Isadore , Haigh, John M , Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 1983
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6385 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006306
- Description: Phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride belongs to the sympathomimetic amine class of drugs and is structurally related to ephedrine hydrochloride. Its synthesis was first reported in 1910 and the first American patent was registered in 1939. The effects of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride are largely the result of alpha-adrenergic agonist activity resulting from both direct stimulation of adrenergic receptors and release of neuronal norepinephrine. The principal adverse effect of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride is dose-related hypertension and ventricular arrhythmia has been described. Phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride is widely used as a decongestant and it has been used as an anorectic agent for over 40 years. A report in 1939 described its effect as an hypertensive agent when administered parenterally.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
- Authors: Kanfer, Isadore , Haigh, John M , Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 1983
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6385 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006306
- Description: Phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride belongs to the sympathomimetic amine class of drugs and is structurally related to ephedrine hydrochloride. Its synthesis was first reported in 1910 and the first American patent was registered in 1939. The effects of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride are largely the result of alpha-adrenergic agonist activity resulting from both direct stimulation of adrenergic receptors and release of neuronal norepinephrine. The principal adverse effect of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride is dose-related hypertension and ventricular arrhythmia has been described. Phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride is widely used as a decongestant and it has been used as an anorectic agent for over 40 years. A report in 1939 described its effect as an hypertensive agent when administered parenterally.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
Pharmacokinetics of phenylpropanolamine in humans after a single dose study
- Dowse, Roslind, Haigh, John M, Kanfer, Isadore
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Haigh, John M , Kanfer, Isadore
- Date: 1987
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006059
- Description: The pharmacokinetics of phenylpropanolamine have been studied in healthy human volunteers following the oral administration of an aqueous solution of the drug (50 mg/200 ml). Blood and urine samples collected throughout the trial were assayed using HPLC with UV detection. The drug was shown to be rapidly absorbed with a mean tmax of 1.47 ± 0.49 h and a mean elimination half-life of 4.0 ± 0.5 h. Phenylpropanolamine is predominantly excreted via the kidney with a mean renal clearance of 0.646 ± 0.089 liter/kg/h and 90.2 ± 1.7% excreted unchanged in the urine. The data were not well described using conventional one or two body compartment models. However, the incorporation of a discontinuous absorption phase into the models resulted in an improved overall fit with better characterisation of the absorption phase.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Haigh, John M , Kanfer, Isadore
- Date: 1987
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006059
- Description: The pharmacokinetics of phenylpropanolamine have been studied in healthy human volunteers following the oral administration of an aqueous solution of the drug (50 mg/200 ml). Blood and urine samples collected throughout the trial were assayed using HPLC with UV detection. The drug was shown to be rapidly absorbed with a mean tmax of 1.47 ± 0.49 h and a mean elimination half-life of 4.0 ± 0.5 h. Phenylpropanolamine is predominantly excreted via the kidney with a mean renal clearance of 0.646 ± 0.089 liter/kg/h and 90.2 ± 1.7% excreted unchanged in the urine. The data were not well described using conventional one or two body compartment models. However, the incorporation of a discontinuous absorption phase into the models resulted in an improved overall fit with better characterisation of the absorption phase.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
Pharmaceutical Pictograms: part 2: weird and wonderful interpretations
- Dowse, Roslind, Ehlers, Martina S
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ehlers, Martina S
- Date: 2003
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/157037 , vital:40081
- Description: To assess the influence of formal education on the interpretation of pharmaceutical pictograms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ehlers, Martina S
- Date: 2003
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/157037 , vital:40081
- Description: To assess the influence of formal education on the interpretation of pharmaceutical pictograms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
Pharmaceutical Pictograms: Part 1: Communicating Medicine Information to the Low-literate Patient
- Dowse, Roslind, Ehlers, Martina S
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ehlers, Martina S
- Date: 2003
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/157026 , vital:40080
- Description: To assess the influence of formal education on the interpretation of pharmaceutical pictograms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ehlers, Martina S
- Date: 2003
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/157026 , vital:40080
- Description: To assess the influence of formal education on the interpretation of pharmaceutical pictograms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
Patient-centred pharmacy: reflections from the patient-academic pharmacist interface
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156709 , vital:40040 , https://0-hdl.handle.net.wam.seals.ac.za/10520/EJC163769
- Description: This month, the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) pays tribute to a remarkable woman, who is willing to share her experiences with fellow pharmacists. Ros Dowse told her story at the South African Association of Hospital and Institutional Pharmacists and PSSA conferences, and will share it at the Academy conference as well. Ros, we are proud to be part of your "family", and are humbled by your courage and inner strength.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156709 , vital:40040 , https://0-hdl.handle.net.wam.seals.ac.za/10520/EJC163769
- Description: This month, the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) pays tribute to a remarkable woman, who is willing to share her experiences with fellow pharmacists. Ros Dowse told her story at the South African Association of Hospital and Institutional Pharmacists and PSSA conferences, and will share it at the Academy conference as well. Ros, we are proud to be part of your "family", and are humbled by your courage and inner strength.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014