An international survey of drug information centers

A questionnaire was developed to characterize the location, operation, personnel, reference resources, and functions of drug information centers in countries throughout the world other than the United States. The questionnaire was mailed to 100 drug information centers or pharmacy practitioners (primarily faculty) in 65 countries. The majority of drug information centers responding to this questionnaire were located at and funded by university based hospitals. Most were open eight hours per day and engaged in the following activities: answering requests for information, publishing pharmacy bulletins, teaching, continuing education, and providing information directly to pharmacy and therapeutics committees. Additional information gathered from this survey included: common references and journals maintained by drug information centers, user demographics, and a request profile. Although many similarities among the information centers were found, interesting observations regarding their differences may be made. It is important that drug information centers share their experiences so that others may learn about their new and innovative programs.