Effect of Pharmacist Interventions on Consumer Knowledge ofGeneric vs. Brand-name OTC Label Comparison

Objective. To test the efficacy of two educational interventions to increase consumers’ knowledge on how to compare drug package labeling information between generic and brand-name Over-the-Counter (OTC) products. Background. Consumers may have difficulty comparing labeling information on numerous OTC products. Because of potential cost savings, it is important to help them identify which OTCs are cheaper generic equivalents of brand-name products. Methods. Using a randomized-controlled post-test only design, 200 subjects were assigned to: (1) an intervention group receiving a pamphlet describing how to compare generic and brand-name OTC labels; (2) an intervention group receiving a 5- minute pharmacist consultation with pamphlet reinforcement; or (3) a control group receiving neither intervention. Subjects were asked post-intervention to recall 5 pieces of labeling information used to determine whether an OTC product is a true generic equivalent of the brand-name product. A knowledge score (0-100%) was calculated [(number of correct responses/5)x100] for each subject. T-test, chi-square and ANOVA analyses were conducted at p \u3c .05. Results. 191 subjects completed the study. There were no significant group differences in their personal characteristics: 67% were female and average age was 48.6 (SD = 17.0) years. Knowledge scores were 53.5% (SD = 27.6, n = 63) for pamphlet group, 79.7% (SD = 24.3, n = 65) for consultation+pamphlet group, and 42.2% (SD = 22.5, n = 63) for control group. Conclusion. Subjects receiving pharmacist consultation with pamphlet reinforcement scored significantly higher in knowledge than those in the other two groups. It is important to utilize both verbal and written communication strategies in patient education related to OTCs. Grant. Funded by NSU-CFRDG program