Late Breaking Original Research
Sunday, November 12, 2023
12:45 PM–02:15 PM
Abstract
Introduction: Currently, there are limited options for patients with visual impairment or blindness to obtain accessible written medication information which is a health inequity.
Research Question or Hypothesis: The objectives of this study were to determine the availability of accessible medication guides provided by the manufacturer and identify common barriers reported by patients with visual impairment in obtaining accessible written medication information in healthcare settings.
Study Design: Prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive and survey-based study
Methods: A total of 39 manufacturers were contacted about the availability of accessible medication guides or an alternative format for patients with visual impairment. Fifty medication guides were then assessed using a checklist based on revised Section 508 guidelines and tested with a screen reader for accessibility. To identify barriers in obtaining written medication information, respondents were recruited by Qualtrics to fill out an anonymous, online 13-question survey from September to October 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to report the data.
Results: All manufacturers did not provide an accessible medication guide or an alternative format. Common errors found by the screen reader were lack of a description for images (alternative text) and headings were not available to help with navigation. As for the survey, a total of 699 participants responded. The median age was 35 years and 49% of respondents were female. A paper copy was the most common format (38%) provided in the pharmacy and barriers identified included lack of Braille or electronic options and personnel not equipped to serve patients with visual impairment.
Conclusion: With the lack of accessible written medication information as a barrier to health equity, pharmacists and manufacturers need to provide alternative formats such as audio, electronic formats, or braille to patients with visual impairment.
Presenting Author
Cambrey Nguyen PharmDUniversity of Kansas School of Pharmacy
Authors
Kristin Villa PharmD, PhD
University of Kansas School of Pharmacy