Infographics help clinicians retain prescription information accurately

The use of geriatric drug infographics (GDIs) improves the retrieval and retention of relevant prescription information, a recent study has found.

A total of 43 nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and physicians were randomly assigned to receive prescription education either through GDIs (n=22) or text-only controls (n=21). The primary outcome was the time required to accomplish a knowledge test, while secondary endpoints were knowledge retention and accuracy.

Clinicians assigned to the GDI intervention took over twice the time to finish the knowledge test as their control counterparts, but the difference failed to reach significance (45.1 vs 20.0 minutes; p=0.21).

In contrast, those who used infographic materials were able to correctly answer a significantly higher proportion of questions (60.0 percent vs 35.0 percent; p<0.001) and showed greater levels of knowledge retention (78.0 percent vs 40.0 percent; p<0.001).

Participants responded positively when asked about their experiences with the GDI, reporting that the information was easy to follow and retrieve. In particular, they pointed to the comprehensive and concise visual presentation of information, as well as its single-page format, pictorial elements, and quantified risks and benefits.

“This is the first study describing the development and evaluation of infographics to facilitate clinician learning about pharmacotherapy for older adults,” the researchers said. “GDIs enhanced retrieval and retention of clinically relevant prescribing information compared to usual resources.”

“[H]owever, the time required varied considerably, and may reflect the unfamiliarity with the novel infographics’ iconography, or the possibility of insufficient study power. With repeated use or explanatory aides (eg, legend), the time required may decrease,” they added.