New CMI Study Supports Need for Additional Research and Changes

August 26, 2010 9:49 AM

The effectiveness of consumer medication information (CMI) has been examined by FDA and various stakeholders, and a newly published study provides additional related data. Conducted by researchers from the University of Florida, the study concludes that the content, format, reading level, and length of CMI materials can negatively affect rates of comprehension and retention. Researchers focused on the dispensing of two prescription medications, lisinopril and metformin, and evaluated the effectiveness of the CMI provided using criteria adapted from FDA guidelines. Approximately 60% of the CMI materials provided with the lisinopril prescriptions met the CMI criteria, and almost 58% of the CMI accompanying metformin met the criteria. The study showed that directions for use and comprehensibility were two areas that need particular attention in order to increase the effectiveness of CMI.