Randomized controlled trial of a pictogram-based intervention to reduce liquid medication dosing errors and improve adherence among caregivers of young children

In this 2008 study, the researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial of multiethnic, low socioeconomic status caregivers whose children were treated at an urban pediatric emergency department. The trial involved liquid medication dosing education.

The control group received standard medication counseling, while the intervention group received medication counseling that used plain language, pictogram-based medication instruction sheets. The researchers concluded that the plain language counseling resulted in fewer medication dosing errors and better adherence compared to the standard medication counseling.