Aspects of the modification of the self-medication behavior of patients by presentation of educational material at time of product selection via an information appliance

A major issue in the health care system is the interaction of nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, traditional medicines, and general food products with the prescribed drug regimen. Researchers [P. Neafsey et al., (2001)] have investigated the role of information appliances in the education of older adults and have shown that these appliances can change the knowledge and self-efficacy behavior of this demographic. We modify the approach by designing an information appliance and medical information system to detect potential interactions, and provide educational materials at the point of product selection prior to the patient purchasing the product.