Drug information for the mentally ill: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Drugs play a significant role in maintaining the health of the mentally ill Lack of information is known to be one of the chief reasons for patients' failure to adhere to prescribed regimens. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of drug information leaflets for mentally ill patients on knowledge and satisfaction concerning psychotropic drug therapy. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of 249 adult general psychiatry patients (124 inpatients and 125 community patients), half assigned to the invervention (i.e., patient information leaflets; these patients also received the usual information) (n = 120) and half receiving the usual information only (n = 129). The assessments were made using a semi-structured questionnaire. The mean total knowledge score was significantly higher with intervention in both acute and community patients. Analysis of individual aspects of knowledge showed a marked lack of knowledge in the areas of side-effects and precautions, which improved significantly with intervention. Patients in the community showed a greater awareness of their drug therapy than did inpatients. Improvement in knowledge was evident in all diagnostic groups. There was no significant relationship with age, sex, level of education and number of drugs. Overall, 60% of controls and 79% of leaflet patients were satisfied with their drug information. Patient information leaflets provided a useful source of reference for the patients and the carers.

Keywords: drug information; patient education; psychiatry; psychotropic drugs.