Links: Useful publications

The MHRA handbook, Always Read the Leaflet

A more detailed document on the UK regulator’s recipe for better leaflets and user testing. A long document (137 pages) with lots of practical detail and examples. David Dickinson is a co-author. This link starts a free PDF download.

Australian handbook – Writing about medicines for people

This is the book that started it all – the application of usability testing to medicines leaflets was pioneered in Australia. This handbook (now in its third edition) is the authority on the Australian method, and an incredibly useful source book for anyone doing this work in any country. The latest edition is on sale as a 150-page paperback book (also available as an e-book).

A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative research on the role and effectiveness of written information available to patients about individual medicines

A multi-author study that does what it says in the title! Written for the NHS R&D Health Technology Assessment Programme, this study was conevened by the universities of Leeds and Keele. David Dickinson is a co-author. 178 pages: free PDF download. Also available as a paperbound volume.