About FDA
Focus Group Testing of Messages about Prescription Drug Risks and Benefits
Description: The Risk Communication Staff (RCS) is conducting a focus group study to evaluate communication messages that aim to provide consumers with the balanced risk-benefit context they need to make prescription drug use decisions. RCS recently developed the messages based on findings from an initial series of focus groups conducted in 2010.
Accomplishment: The study provided FDA with consumer feedback that enabled it to refine 17 short, tagline messages about the use of generic drugs, the importance of discussing decisions with healthcare providers, and FDA’s role in the drug review process. These focus-group tested messages are written in plain language and can be used in future FDA communications to accompany more detailed information about specific products. The study also provided FDA with “lessons learned” for connecting with its audience and avoiding language than can be perceived as aggressive, condescending, or presumptuous. To view this report, please visit the following website: http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/ReportsManualsForms/Reports/ucm312392.htm
| Milestone Description | Milestone Date | Milestone Status | Milestone Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Draft focus group moderator's guide |
5/31/2011 |
Completed | 5/26/2011 |
| B. Submit materials for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval |
6/24/2011 |
Completed | 6/22/2011 |
| C. Finalize participant screener and moderator's guide upon receiving OMB comments/approval |
12/2/2011 |
Completed | 9/7/2011 |
| D. Conduct local focus groups |
12/30/2011 |
Completed | 9/7/2011 |
| E. Conduct out-of-town focus groups |
1/20/2012 |
Completed | 10/27/2011 |
| F. Review top-line findings and provide guidance to contractor on report outline |
2/29/2012 |
Completed | 1/5/2012 |
| G. Provide comments to contractor on draft report |
3/23/2012 |
Completed | 3/16/2012 |
| H. Finalize report identifying recommended messages for FDA staff communicating product risk/benefit information to the public |
3/29/2012 |
Completed | 3/20/2012 |
Key Projects Legend
| Milestone Status | Definition |
|---|---|
| Not Yet Started | Work for specific milestone has not yet been started. |
| Completed | Milestone and/or overall project is completed. |
| On Track | Milestone - On track for completion by milestone deadline. Quarter status - Project is on track for completion based on overall milestone status. |
| On Hold | Milestone - On hold, but deadline for completion has not passed. Quarter status - Project is on hold, based on overall milestone status. |
| Delayed | Milestone - Delayed as it has not been completed and deadline has passed. Quarter status - Project is delayed based on overall milestone status. |
