Firmly committed to promoting medical information for all, UPSA develops innovative solutions for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients:
- Since 2016, UPSA has adapted its medical information and pharmacovigilance services. From the UPSA or Sourdline websites, patients can communicate in French Sign Language (LSF) via webcam or live chat: to get information about their medications or to report any adverse effects. UPSA is the first and only pharmaceutical laboratory to have developed such a service.
- Pharmacist training through the “Dialogue de sourds” program, launched in 2019 with Sourdline and Vidal, to better understand the challenges faced by deaf and hard-of-hearing patients and learn to communicate through real-life situations at the pharmacy counter.
- Instant French Sign Language (LSF) translation of conversations in pharmacies directly on the patient’s smartphone via the “Ma Pharmacie en Langue des Signes” app. The pilot program for this solution, developed with Sourdline, was launched in January 2021 in 30 pharmacies across France.
These initiatives complement other actions such as: Braille labeling on all UPSA product packaging, Braille and/or large-print leaflets, and audio-described information on the Handicap Zéro website.