Project Description Narrative:
Studies show that more than 1/3 of U.S adults have only a basic level of health literacy. Due to this, 50% of medications are taken incorrectly, causing unnecessary post-discharge complications, hospitalizations, and even death. Over the past seven years, Wisconsin Health Literacy and partners have been successfully working with pharmacies to redesign prescription labels using evidence-based standards. The result has been increased patient understanding, improved adherence to medications, and reduced health disparities. However, due to software and other limitations, a vital gap remains in improving the directions for use on prescriptions.
Through this award, project partners aim to bridge this gap by working with Wisconsin health systems to adopt changes in the electronic health record software that will make the use of evidence-based prescription labels and directions for use the default choice for prescribers.
Community partners: Epic Systems, Wisconsin Medical Society, Wisconsin Hospital Association, Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin, Advocate Aurora Health Care, UW Health, UW-Madison School of Pharmacy, Emory University