Qualitative Assessment of a New Labelling Design of Injectable Generic Medicines

Medication label design is among the frequent contributing factors to medication errors in clinical practice settings. Several safety organisations have published recommendations on the design of optimal medication labels. Objectives: This study aims to uncover perceptions of the new labelling design developed under those recommendations by a pharmaceutical company compared to its existing labels and characterise participants’ opinions of usability and medication safety. Method: A descriptive study using a structured version of the focus group method was undertaken. A convenience sample of twelve pharmacists and eight nurses with experience in medication management and working at two critical hospital departments (emergency and intensive care unit) were recruited and participated in four focus groups. Group discussions were audio recorded and thematically analysed. Results: Several positive opinions on the new labelling were identified, from less effort in identifying critical information due to the use of colour, enhanced contrast and tall lettering for LASA medicines to improvements in participants’ perceived safety. However, also feedback was received for those labelling features that still need improvement. This study provides evidence of the effectiveness of adopting the human-centred design principles suggested by medication safety agencies.