Improving Parental Understanding of Medication Instructions Through a Pictogram-Based Intervention

Evidence suggests that errors by parents and caregivers in administering medications to their children are frequent. These errors, which include inaccurate dosing as well as nonadherence to medication regimens, place children at risk for morbidity and mortality. Misdosing is prevalent, with 50% or more of pediatric caregivers either measuring an incorrect dose or reporting a dose of liquid medication given outside the recommended range. Of further concern are reports of an overall poor adherence rate of 50% for pediatric medications, with implications for treatment failure and drug resistance.

Few studies have examined strategies for decreasing medication administration errors in pediatric patients. Pictograms represent a promising approach in which simple diagrams are used to improve understanding of concepts. Pictorial-enhanced written materials have been shown to improve comprehension and adherence with medical directions, particularly for patients with low literacy.

We developed a pictogram-based intervention to decrease dosing errors and improve adherence. In this study, we sought to assess whether this intervention would reduce medication dosing errors and improve adherence in a pediatric emergency room serving at-risk families.

Inclusion criteria

• child 30 days through 8 years old
• child prescribed a liquid medication (short course (<14 days) daily dose medication or as needed (prn) medication)

Exclusion criteria

• caregiver accompanying child to visit not primarily responsible for administering medication to the child
• caregiver not fluent in English or Spanish
• child requiring immediate medical attention
• child who typically takes medications in tablet form
• child having a visit involving a psychiatric problem or child protection issue