Redesign of Pharmaceutical Pictograms for Enhanced Comprehensibility: A Participatory Multi-Step Approach
| Author | Yeganeh Jami | en |
| Author | Bayram Nejati | en |
| Author | Pegah Salimi Pormehr | en |
| Author | Davoud Khorasani | en |
| Author | Mahnaz Saremi | en |
| Issued Date | 2025-11-30 | en |
| Abstract | Background: Understanding and remembering medication instructions is challenging for many people, particularly older adults and those with low literacy. Since non-adherence to medication is both harmful and costly, pictorial instructions have been proposed as a solution. However, the optimal design features that best align with the mental schemas of prospective users remain under investigation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to optimize the design of pharmaceutical pictograms by focusing on the opinions of Iranian prospective users in the details of the plan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed in which an iterative, multi-step, participatory approach was applied. Eight poorly understandable pictograms for Iranian users were selected from the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with Farsi-speaking adults over 40 years old with low literacy, followed by draw-it sessions. Findings were scrutinized by four experts to form the base of the design. Final pictogram designs were approved through consensus after several panel meetings. Results: Data saturation was achieved with 22 participants. Through the draw-it sessions, participants created 34 images and provided feedback on how to improve the comprehensibility of the pharmaceutical instructions. These suggestions were reviewed during two expert meetings. Ultimately, eight culturally relevant pharmaceutical pictograms were developed for Iranian users. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the usability of human factors methods in the field of medication and pharmacy. The study anticipates that this approach will lead to improved medication adherence and patient safety. The redesigned pharmaceutical pictograms could serve as viable alternatives to their corresponding existing USPs. Future research should assess the comprehensibility and effectiveness of these pictograms in broader or different populations. | en |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5812/healthscope-162783 | en |
| Keyword | Medical Illustration | en |
| Keyword | Pictorial Work | en |
| Keyword | User-Centered Design | en |
| Keyword | Medication Adherence | en |
| Keyword | Ergonomics | en |
| Publisher | Brieflands | en |
| Title | Redesign of Pharmaceutical Pictograms for Enhanced Comprehensibility: A Participatory Multi-Step Approach | en |
| Type | Research Article | en |