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Evaluation of consumer drug information databases
J A Choi1, J Sullivan, M Pankaskie
1Division of Information Systems, Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy, Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA 22601, USA. jcho2@su.edu
Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association (Washington, D.C. : 1996)
|October 26, 1999
Summary
Mayo Clinic Family Pharmacist provided the most comprehensive prescription drug information among six evaluated databases. Healthcare professionals can confidently recommend this CD-ROM resource to patients seeking reliable drug details.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Health Informatics
- Consumer Health Information
Background:
- Consumer drug information databases on CD-ROM are increasingly available.
- Evaluating the accuracy and completeness of these resources is crucial for patient safety.
- Healthcare professionals need reliable tools to guide patients in selecting trustworthy drug information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the quality of prescription drug information in six CD-ROM databases.
- To inform healthcare providers about the strengths and weaknesses of these resources.
- To guide recommendations for patient use of consumer drug databases.
Main Methods:
- An observational study evaluated six consumer drug information databases.
- Information on 20 frequently prescribed drugs was assessed using a point-scale system.
- Primary assessment criteria were based on USP DI Volume II, Advice for the Patient, with 20 categories.
- Secondary assessment included 8 additional utility features.
Main Results:
- Mayo Clinic Family Pharmacist ranked highest in the primary assessment (379/400 points) and secondary assessment (8/8 points).
- Medical Drug Reference and PharmAssist followed in the primary assessment.
- Significant variations in information completeness and accuracy were observed across the evaluated databases.
Conclusions:
- Mayo Clinic Family Pharmacist offers the most accurate and complete prescription drug information among the evaluated CD-ROM databases.
- This database is a suitable recommendation for healthcare professionals to provide to patients.
- The study highlights the importance of critically evaluating digital health resources.