Animation on how to take medicines: A study of electronic patient leaflets in Brazil

Abstract

Animation has been proved to facilitate content learning. However, in Brazil the electronic Patient Information Leaflets (e-PILs) do not employ animation, but static images, to show medicine usage to patients. By considering animation a beneficial communication resource to PILs, a study was conducted with 80 participants on comprehension and simulated tasks of using the medicines: vaginal cream, insulin syringe, inhaler and nasal spray. The results ratified the assumption, however, suggest that (a) participants’ perception of their understanding and task performance are related to their satisfaction with the animation, and (b) there is a gap between users’ understanding of medicine animation and their task performance when using a medicine. Recommendations are proposed based upon the literature and the outcomes of the study.