Talk Before You Take is a research-based public education campaign designed to encourage and improve communications between healthcare providers (HCPs) and patients about their medicines.  Through the completion of a quantitative web-based survey, Knowledge, Attitudes & Behaviors Concerning Risk & Safety Information of Medicines: A Survey of patients/Patients and HCPs in the U.S., BeMedWise assessed patients’ reported receipt, understanding, use and preferences for information about their medicines—with a parallel assessment of healthcare providers HCPs—to ascertain gaps/disconnects and opportunities to stimulate and improve patient—healthcare provider communication to maximize the benefits and minimize potential risks of prescribed medication.  Talk Before You Take messages and educational materials were developed in alignment with these research findings. BeMedWise is partnering with key stakeholder organizations to promote the campaign and disseminate educational materials designed for HCPs and patients.  Additionally, the campaign will be supported by media outreach, and this website, as a resource for patients and HCPs to download free materials to promote high-quality patient–provider engagement.

The BeMedWise Program at NeedyMeds, formerly known as the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE), is pleased to recognize the following organizations for their input in formulating the research agenda and the Talk Before You Take campaign:

• American Academy of Physician Assistants
• Caregivers Action Network
• Center for Health and Risk Communication, George Mason University
• Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
• Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness (CDSE), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Elsevier/ Gold Standard Drug Information Publisher
• Enhance Value
• Institute for Safe Medication Practices
• National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health
• National Consumers League
• National Osteoporosis Foundation