Drug information for consumers and patients – a review of the research

Patients and consumers want more and more information about drugs. Patients need drug information in order to be able to participate in decision-making about their treatment. Consumers also need information that enables them to choose between self-treatment of symptoms and requesting evaluation from a doctor. Drug information must be valid and understandable.

‘Drug information for consumers and patients – a review of the research’ summarises recent research on drug information. Recommendations are also given. The report focuses on sources and tools of drug information, as well as on its special needs and future challenges.

The improvement of the quality and availability of drug information is one of the goals of the European Union. ‘Drug information for consumers and patients – a review of the research’ is aimed at contributing to the discussion and development concerning drug information both in Finland and on the EU level.

For more information, please contact:
Planning for Pharmaceutical Policies
Senior Researcher Ulla Närhi,
tel. +358 9 4733 4385, ulla.narhi@nam.fi
Research Secretary Anna Karjalainen,
tel. +358 9 4733 4386, anna.karjalainen@nam.fi

Publication of National Agency for Medicines
Drug Information for consumers and patients - a review of the research