What is a common tool used to help patients understand their medications?

Medication information leaflets or brochures are an effective tool for helping patients understand their medications because they provide clear, concise, and easily digestible information about how to take the medication, potential side effects, dosage instructions, and other important details. These materials are often specifically designed for patients, using language that is accessible and avoiding medical jargon. This enhances patient comprehension and promotes adherence to prescribed medication regimens.

While verbal instructions can be valuable, they may not adequately reinforce understanding, especially for complex medication regimens. Medical textbooks are usually too technical and are not intended for laypersons, making them impractical for patient education. Online forums may provide some level of peer support or information; however, they lack the reliable, structured information that official medication brochures offer and may expose patients to unverified content.