objectives
An observational survey, to assess the use of electronic technology as a means of communicating information contained within the Package Insert and Patient Information Leaflet.
technical requirements
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Determine the participants’ accessibility to the electronic patient
information leaflet. -
Determine the participants’ demand for information contained in
the patient information leaflet. -
Determine the participants’ format preference for receiving the electronic patient information leaflet.
solution
A combination of a fully configurable web-based platform and USSD
(Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) technology was used to achieve these requirements.
deliverables/milestones
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The USSD delivery method was explained to the patients as drugs were delivered to their homes or places of work.
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The patients took part in a survey to determine their ability to access the USSD platforms as well as their preference of accessing the PIL (patient information leaflet) electronically as appose to paper.
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The PIL was made available in four different languages namely, English, Sesotho, Zulu and Tswana.
conclusion
The results indicated that the majority (more than 70%) of the participants could access the PIL with their mobile phones and also preferred the electronic delivery method.