Drug informational value of patient package insert (ppi)‎ : a sample study in Palestine

الملخص EN

The primary aims of this study were to investigate the attitude of the Palestinian public to patient package insert (PPI) and to evaluate the practical and legal issues of PPI in Palestine.

Three hundred and seventy one (371) patients were verbally interviewed using a yes or no questionnaire that examines their attitude toward the information presented in (PPI).

More than half of the patients (51.7 %) said that they read the (PPI), but either find it vague or raise their fears and concerns.

A second group of patients (44.5 %) said that they do not read the (PPI).

A third group (3.8 %) said that they do not find or do not know about the PPI.

This study emphasizes the need for a pharmacy legislation regarding PPI design and language, introduction of electronic pharmacy labeling and finally better patient-pharmacist communication to educate patients about over-the counter ((OTC) and prescription only medications (POM).