This category was designed to recognise information provision directly to medicine users and the public (either users of specific medicines or medicine users in general). Entries included patient materials, Ask About Medicines Week initiatives and medicines leaflets.

Winner:

The Treatment Support Partnership with Eye Care for You

Audit data shows that after 1 year 56% of patients with glaucoma stop taking their eye drops regularly, including almost 20% who stop altogether. This initiative was designed to engage with and motivate patients prescribed a treatment for glaucoma to take their eye drops correctly and at the right time.

Eye Care for You is a treatment support programme which includes:

• an illustrated programme brochure for health professionals
• a welcome pack for patients including a large-type booklet explaining glaucoma and treatment, an electronic alarm to remind people when to use their eye drops, a unique-numbered membership card, and prescription and appointment reminder cards
• letters after weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12 with different information addressing a range of questions users may have.

Evaluation of the programme showed that 99% of users found it useful and 84% said that it helped them to take their medicine more regularly.

The programme was created by the Treatment Support Partnership on behalf of Alcon Laboratories (UK) Ltd.

Runner- up:

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) with Patient Yellow Card

Highly Commended:

The Multiple Sclerosis Trust with Disease modifying drug therapies: a general guide for people with MS

Highly Commended:

Hull & East Riding Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Partnership with First Pill Teach