Speaking Books Receives Great Interest at DIA
Speaking Books Receives Great Interest at DIA
From June 14th to 18th, a South African Speaking Book innovation had a big impact at the Drug Information Association (DIA) conference in Washington DC focusing on Clinical Trial, Informed Consent and Patient Communication and Safety
The Speaking Books are a simple innovation that can be applied to rural and urban; literate and illiterate; adult and children communities
From Pharmaceuticals to Research Companies, to patient advocacy groups, one message resonated throughout the conference; the application for the Speaking Books is global, far reaching, and inspirational
“This South African initiative is solving issues that we are only starting to consider”, Dr Shawcross said from the United States Cancer Association
We were fortunate to be able to attend a number of sessions – and to be given a platform to talk about the Speaking Books
Understanding participants needs and integrating into the clinical trial process is a challenge even for literate adults, and the Speaking Books offers just that. Already in 30 languages, and many in dual languages in one book, the applications are endless; Drug Trial Informed Consent, Vaccines, TB, Malaria, and ADHD have been widely distributed.
One of the most heartwarming moments at our booth in the exhibit hall, surrounded by large corporations, was when some of our partners saw their own Speaking Books on display. Dr Nermeen Varawalla, pictured above, was instrumental in the creation of the first Speaking Book on Informed Consent in India. It was an honor to have her visit us and share her passion for the Books. Dr Varawalla said, “The power of such a simple tool is enormous, and the applications are endless”
Visitors to the Speaking Books stand over the three days “were brimming with ideas for how the concept can be applied” from the National Brain Tumor Society, the Cincinnati Childrens Hospital, and pharmaceuticals involved with oncology and rare diseases, to applications for adults and children diagnosed with an illness and having to deal with hospitalization
“I am tongue-tied – I am astounded by this simple concept” said ICON’s Medical Director
Please do visit our website www.speakingbooks for more details, videos and research articles on the 55+ Speaking Books that have been used around the world