Understanding Patient's Knowledge and Use of Acetaminophen

Introduction to Study Objectives: In a joint collaboration of the Centers for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERTS) at The University of Pennsylvania and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, this study proposes to a) combine detailed but under-utilized existing large datasets and b) collect new primary data; together, resulting two data resources will advance our ability to describe, study, and understand the effectiveness and safety of pharmaceuticals received by pediatric patients in hospitals, and how to improve the safe use of over-the-counter (OTC) acetaminophen in home settings. The CERTS study is organized into two projects: Project I and Project II. For this protocol, the study focus will be Project II-Phase 1. Project II will seek to qualitatively describe the patterns of use and misuse of over-the-counter OTC acetaminophen, through information gathered from consumers of various age groups, as well as professional key informants. Project II-Phase 1 Objective 1: -Qualitatively explore knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices regarding adult and adolescent self-administration of OTC acetaminophen, and parental administration of OTC acetaminophen to children. Objective 2: -Qualitatively explore experiences and practices of key professional informants, including physician and pharmacists, with respect to communicating information on the administration and risks of OTC acetaminophen to consumers and patients.