Hot Review | Word Enlarged, Scannable Code Drug Instruction Manual "Transformation" Suitable for Aging Electronics | Drugs | Instruction Manual
When it comes to drug instructions, I believe the majority of people have the same feeling: the words are small and dense, making it difficult to read clearly; The content is both professional and lengthy, making it difficult for people to understand. Some media outlets vividly display in their reports that one thumb can cover up 40 words on a drug label. The drug instructions with words as small as ants make it difficult for young people to read, let alone elderly people who have a high demand for medication?
The people call out, and the government responds accordingly. Recently, the National Medical Products Administration publicly solicited opinions on the pilot work plan for the aging adaptation reform of drug instructions and other documents. The Plan specifies that holders involved in the pilot should print QR codes on drug packaging or drug instructions, and electronic drug instructions can be obtained by scanning the QR codes; At the same time, it is required that the simplified version of the manual on paper be in four point font, and the complete electronic version of the manual be in three point font.
Enlarging font size and introducing simplified versions can help with medication safety. According to the "Plan", compared to the existing drug instructions, the font size of the paper version of the instructions after the reform pilot will be significantly increased, and electronic versions of the instructions that can be obtained by scanning the code will be added, making it no longer difficult for the elderly to read the drug instructions clearly. Moreover, due to the simplified version, key content such as how to take medication and requirements for contraindications will be clearer and more distinguishable. For elderly patients, medication will be safer, more accurate, and more convenient.
Piloting first, then summarizing and promoting, and gradually progressing step by step can help promote scientific progress. The pilot reform of aging friendly drug instructions will be carried out in some commonly used oral and topical drug formulations for elderly patients, and Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, Hunan, and Guangdong will be designated as pilot provinces. Pilot and clarify regulations first, so that relevant production enterprises have evidence and rules to follow, and can also summarize good experiences from the drugs and regions that have been tested first, forming a demonstration effect, so as to better promote good policies and practices in more drugs and regions.
Of course, adjusting the font size and content of drug instructions is only the first step in adapting to aging. Can we try to embed clearer and more understandable images and videos of medication instructions in the electronic version of drug instructions? Can hospitals and pharmacies provide more considerate and meticulous pharmaceutical services for elderly patients, in accordance with the instructions? These all require more thoughtful and specific refinement and implementation.
The optimization and adjustment of drug instructions may seem like a small matter, but in reality, it is a key issue related to the happiness and safety of drug users, especially elderly patients. As of the end of 2022, the population aged 60 and above in China is approximately 280 million, accounting for 19.8% of the national population. Every family has its own age, and everyone will grow old. From this perspective, optimizing the management of drug instructions is a very important part of the entire society's aging friendly transformation.
To enable the elderly to enjoy a happy old age, more practical actions such as optimizing drug instructions that focus on details and solve practical difficulties are needed. Adapting to aging requires careful and thoughtful care, so that the elderly and their families can feel more at ease and comfortable. It is essential to promote the high-quality and happy life of the elderly in their later years through "small transformations" that are suitable for aging, in order to build an elderly friendly society.