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Participants needed for study on 3D-printed pill shapes

9 March 2017

Researchers from UCL School of Pharmacy are recruiting participants to take part in their

Take part in a study on 3D-printed pill shapes and earn £5 eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8djLpCrp2fDA7Jj" target="_self">study examining 3D-printed pill shapes in terms of handling and swallowing.

Researchers are interested in studying the medicines acceptability among certain groups including paediatric and geriatric patients. Through this study, they are trying to understand how easy it is for patients to take a medication in order to simplify medicine administration.

3D printing is a new technology that allows the creation of any type of tridimensional shape with a range of different materials. Recently, scientists have used it to print pharmaceutical tablets. The shape and dimensions of tablets and capsules can greatly influence the ability to take medicines, especially in the case of children or adults with fear of choking.

Some shapes can make medicine intake easier and safer, however scientific data on the end user acceptability is required to adapt the shapes to the needs of specific patient groups.

Your feedback and ideas will actively contribute to the pharmaceutical research aimed to produce better medicines for patients with specific needs and to improve their medication experience.

Test session

During the test session, you will be asked to assess ten 3D-printed shapes. Researchers will ask you to perform the following tasks: open 2 different types of packaging, pick 10 different shapes of 3D-printed pills and swallow 5 different shapes of 3Dprinted pills with the aid of water.

Then we will ask you to rate your satisfaction using scales and questions. During the test your hands will be video recorded. The shapes you will be given are made of perfectly safe ingredients (also used in foods) and do not contain any drugs.

If you are a healthy adult aged 18 to 50 years you are eligible to take part in the study.

The study will take place at UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX. You will be asked to attend one session which will last 60  minutes (approximately). You will be paid £5 as compensation for your time.

If you have any questions and to request more information, please email Dr Mine Orlu Gul or call 020 7753 5968.

This study has been approved by the UCL Research Ethics Committee - ID Number: REC 8249/003. All data will be collected and stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.