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3DP medication label for BVI
label. Their preferences for the parameters
were combined to develop the initial 3DP label
prototype, which was then shown to four target
users to obtain their feedback and suggestions for
improvement. These users were selected because
of their close interactions with BVI patients
or personal experiences as BVI persons. They
comprised a geriatric pharmacist, an executive
from the Dialogue in the Dark (DiD) Singapore ,
[35]
and two visually-impaired persons who worked at
DiD Singapore as guides. Figure 3. An example of the initial 3D-printed
medication label prototype.
3 Results

The initial label prototype consisted of four
components (medication name and strength,
patient’s name, dosing instruction, and medication
identifier) split into four rows (Figure 3). The
latter two components were further divided into
four columns represented by symbols. From the
responses of the five individuals with normal
vision, they preferred word designs of a 0.25 scale, Figure 4. Revised design example of the
in an all uppercase style and regular font type, with 3D-printed medication label.
a 5-mm center-to-center letter spacing (Table 1).
It was proposed that the 3DP label be of 10 cm When the initial 3DP medication label prototype
× 6.5 cm × 0.15 cm (length × breadth × height), was shown to the target users, their feedback was
which meant that each row of the prototype could that the words were too small and could not be
only comprise up to eight letters. The individuals felt clearly. They suggested that font size and
also preferred that the letters in the word design be center-to-center letter spacing should be increased
of elevation heights that alternated between 1 mm but were mindful that the resultant label might be
and 1.5 mm. too large to be affixed to the medication packaging
With regards to the dosing instruction, a if this was done. In terms of word design, short
universal shape of a half sphere was preferred by forms of medication names were suggested as
the individuals to represent the medication dose some 3DP letters could be confused with each
unit regardless of dosage form, and vertical lines other. Furthermore, using alphabets for the words
were preferred over horizontal lines to convey the might not be useful to the elderly BVI population
frequency of administration. A horizontal center who were English illiterate.
line with an alternating elevation of arrowheads The target users were supportive of the symbols
and center line was preferred to convey information in the 3DP label prototype as they currently used
regarding the medication’s consumption time similar approaches to manage their medication
in relation to food, and medication identifiers regimens. Both the dosing instructions and
based on the target organs were preferred over medication identifiers were well received by the
identifiers based on diseases. The optimal size target group as this information was their top
of the medication identifier was 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm priority compared to medication names. However,
and its preferred elevation height was 1 mm. The they suggested that the symbols for the medication
individuals also preferred a convex elevation for identifiers should be enlarged and more elevated to
the label prototype. make it more distinctive for the blind and elderly

120 International Journal of Bioprinting (2020)–Volume 6, Issue 2