Background: Imprinting tablet bodies is an essential element for the safe use of pharmaceuticals. It has been observed that reports on tablet imprint design that incorporate pharmacists’ perspectives are scarce.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide a better understanding of the concept of universal design in tablet body identification and differentiation, specifically in two scenarios: normal handling of tablets and encountering tablets with similar appearances.
Methods: A survey was conducted among pharmacists registered with the Yamaguchi Prefecture Pharmaceutical Association to collect data on optimal tablet imprint designs from a dispensing perspective.
Results: Analysis of the survey results indicated that: 1. In normal use of tablets, a simple design with “horizontal Kana notation without emphasis on one character” was most preferred. 2. In cases where tablets were similar in appearance, designs such as “horizontal Kana notation with an underline on one character” and “horizontal Kana notation with emphasis on one character” were preferred.
Conclusions: The study may indicate that certain tablet imprint designs may enhance the ability to differentiate and recognize pharmaceuticals, particularly in cases where tablets have similar appearances. To aid in distinguishing tablets with similar appearances, it is suggested that the design should incorporate ‘horizontal Kana notation’ and give emphasis to one character. This design has been shown to result in a clear improvement in identification. It is recommended that tablet imprint designs prioritize high readability for pharmacists and provide appropriate pharmaceutical information. When considering similarity with other tablets, it may be advisable to use ‘emphasis on one character’ as a universal design for differentiating and identifying tablet bodies.
