Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41536907›Full record

ArticleJournal of pharmaceutical policy and practice2026

A qualitative study to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders regarding pharmaceutical pictograms in Pakistan.

Kanza Arshad, Muhammad Atif, Wajiha Razzaq, Ali Arshad

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of pharmaceutical policy and practice, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Kanza ArshadDepartment of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8950-101X
Muhammad AtifDepartment of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
Wajiha RazzaqDepartment of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
Ali ArshadEmergency Department, Tertiary Care Headquarter Hospital, Sadiqabad, Pakistan.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: This qualitative study in Pakistan aims to gather perspectives from health regulators, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and healthcare professionals regarding the implementation of pharmaceutical pictograms. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study design was used to conduct this study across all provinces of Pakistan. The study adopted a constructivist approach to examine stakeholders' subjective interpretations and to ensure methodological transparency, Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines were used as reporting guidelines. The data were collected from three main groups through in-depth, face-to-face interviews. The study participants were recruited using a purposive convenience sampling technique. Data analysis was conducted using an inductive thematic analysis approach to draw conclusions aligned with the study objectives. Results: A total of 57 respondents participated in the study, including 13 doctors, 15 pharmacists, 15 health regulators, and 14 manufacturers. Analysis of the data yielded five themes and sixteen subthemes. The five key themes were extracted including the current status of pharmaceutical pictograms, the impact of pharmaceutical pictograms, the significance of pharmaceutical pictograms on patients and the healthcare system, and challenges in the implementation of pharmaceuticals. The majority of the respondents demonstrated a better understanding of the term 'pharmaceutical pictograms,' but awareness of standardised systems (USP and FIP) was limited. However, several implementation challenges were identified, including a lack of government recognition and policy support, insufficient training and knowledge among healthcare professionals, and financial or resource constraints. Stakeholders emphasised national policy, training, and awareness to integrate pharmaceutical pictograms. Conclusion: The key stakeholders strongly favoured the implementation of pharmaceutical pictograms, recognising their potential to enhance patient comprehension, adherence, and overall safety in Pakistan. However, their adoption is limited by insufficient awareness, policy support, and resources. Addressing these challenges through national policies, professional training, and awareness initiatives is essential for the successful adoption of pictograms in the healthcare system.

Indexed as

graphic imageshealth communication toolshealth literacypatient communicationPharmaceutical pictogramspictorial labellingpictorial symbols

Identifiers

PMID41536907
PMCPMC12798668

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.