Webster, R. orcid.org/0000-0002-5136-1098 and Rubin, G.J. (2020) The effect of positively framing side-effect risk in two different formats on side-effect expectations, informed consent and credibility: A randomised trial of 16- to 75-year-olds in England. Drug Safety, 43 (10). pp. 1011-1022. ISSN 0114-5916
Abstract
Introduction Reframing side-effect information in patient information leaflets (PILs) in terms of those who remain side-effect–free may reduce negative expectations and side-effects, although there are concerns this may impact informed consent. This study compared two versions of positively framed PILs with current practice to see which reduces side-effect expectations whilst maintaining informed consent and credibility.
Methods We commissioned Ipsos MORI to conduct an online survey of 16- to 75-year-olds in England. 1067 people completed the study and were randomised to receive a PIL for a hypothetical new antibiotic that either communicated side-effects following current practice (n = 356), used positive framing with natural frequencies (n = 356), or positive framing with percentages (n = 355). After reading the leaflet, participants completed measures of their side-effect expectations, absolute risk perceptions, and satisfaction and credibility of the leaflet.
Results Both positively framed PILs resulted in significantly lower side-effect expectations compared with the current PIL for all side-effects (ps < 0.001), apart from seizure. Pairwise comparisons showed no difference in side-effect expectations between the two positively framed PILs (ps > 0.626). The positively framed PIL using natural frequencies produced more accurate risk perceptions than the same leaflet using percentages; but performed equally to the current PIL. There was no difference between the leaflets in terms of satisfaction with or credibility of the PILs.
Conclusion Positively framed PILs using natural frequencies significantly reduced side-effect expectations and provided the most accurate risk perceptions without impacting satisfaction or credibility. Replication is needed with patients prescribed new medication and those with lower educational status.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG. This is an author-produced version of a paper subsequently published in Drug Safety. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Science (Sheffield) > Department of Psychology (Sheffield) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number British Academy SRG19\190568 |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 05 Jun 2020 15:39 |
Last Modified: | 12 Nov 2021 16:22 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Springer Verlag |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1007/s40264-020-00959-8 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:161543 |