Pediatric Prescribers' Knowledge of the Ew Meds^™ List and Taste Masking

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine pediatric prescribers' knowledge and confidence in identifying bad tasting liquid medications. The secondary objective examined the techniques used to mask the taste of liquid medications and whether any of the masking techniques recommended by prescribers were reported to be effective in children.

Methods: Nationally, health care prescribers were invited to participate in an online survey about medication tastes and masking practices. Participants included physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners who prescribe oral liquid medications. They were asked to complete a 17-question survey consisting of 4 demographic questions, 6 about their practice; 1 on confidence identifying bad tasting medications; 1 on knowledge of Ew Meds^TM; 4 on taste masking; and 1 on potential taste tools.

Results: Seventy-five prescribers completed the survey. Prescribers correctly identified Ew Meds^TM 27.9% of the time (median score 3.35/12) and 34.7% (26/75) of prescribers felt confident with their knowledge of bad tasting medications. Thirty percent (21/71) of prescribers reported educating patients about masking bad tasting medications "most of the time" or "always" and 12.7% (9/71) never educate patients. Almost all prescribers who responded about masking indicated they recommend mixing the medication in food or drink (55/58, 95%). In general, taste masking techniques reported by pediatric prescribers had mixed effectiveness.

Conclusion: Based on prescribers' limited confidence and knowledge regarding medication taste, education about bad tasting liquid medications and appropriate taste masking should be readily available, including the dangers of altering medication efficacy when mixing in food and drink.