Comprehensibility and Presentation of Medication Charts: Considering Patients’ Views

There is limited knowledge about the comprehensibility of medication charts and if patients’ needs are met. Structured interviews were conducted with 45 patients. In fictive charts, 73 % correctly interpreted the abbreviation «Mo» as «Morgen» (German for morning) and 24 % incorrectly as Monday. «Na» («Nacht» for night) was recognized as bedtime by 56 % and 11 % would take the medication in the afternoon («Nachmittag»). 42 % of the patients correctly interpreted the maximum daily dose regarding the instruction «max. 2 tablets max. 4×/24 h». «ML» («Messlöffel» for spoon) was understood by 24 %. In charts, 91 % preferred brand names in the first column (p <0,001). Medication charts are often misinterpreted. Patients’ needs should be considered when developing charts.