How do we communicate risk to providers who are prescribing to pregnant and lactating women?

Challenge

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is revising the way that risk information relating to prescribing to pregnant and lactating women is presented in prescription drug labeling. Risks and benefits must be communicated to prescribing health care professionals in a clear and efficient way.

Solution

Westat conducted focus groups with health care providers to gather feedback on proposed changes to prescription drug labeling for pregnant and lactating women. 

In response to COVID-19, virtual focus groups were conducted, allowing us to gather feedback across the country during a challenging time for health care providers.

Results

FDA has been using the results of the focus groups to improve risk messaging for health care providers making decisions about prescribing to pregnant and lactating women.

The project serves as a model for health care provider feedback in developing risk messaging in prescription labeling.