Practical Use Evaluation of Aluminum Packaging for Medicinal Products Based on Universal Design

Abstract

Many pharmacists have requested optimization of aluminum packaging of medicinal products in terms of usability. To improve operational e‹ciency of aluminum packaging, we used Universal Design (UD)-based approach, which enables products to be used properly and consistently regardless of users. The UD-pack used in this research is composed of aˆlm that can be easily opened and torn linear. Here, we compared the UD-pack to conventional aluminum packaging by evaluating the practical use of each under the cooperation of 24 pharmacists. Following opening and removal of contents of one sample for both types of packaging, monitors were asked which type was easier to use in each case. Also, monitors were to repeat the opening and removal of contents ofˆve samples in a row, and were asked the same question. Monitors were recorded by digital camera to measure the time required toˆnish the procedure forˆve samples in a row. After opening one sample, approximately 83％ of monitors preferred the UD-pack, and after openingˆve samples, all (100％) preferred the UD-pack. Regarding the time required for openingˆve samples and removing the contents measured by analyzing the recorded video, the UD-pack signiˆcantly reduced the time required for all monitors. The average time ratio of the UD-pack to conventional aluminum packaging was approximately 59％, and no signiˆcant diŠerence was observed between male and female pharmacists. Our results indicate the UD-pack improves ease of opening and removal of contents and increases e‹ciency of dispensing in a clinical setting compared with conventional aluminum packaging.