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Italian drug information centres: benchmark report
D Scala1, A Bracco, S Cozzolino
1Centro di Biofarmacologia e Documentazione Clinica, A.O. Cardarelli, Via S. Glacomo dei Capri, 66 80131 Naples, Italy.
Pharmacy World & Science : PWS
|February 6, 2002
Summary
Italian Drug Information Centres (DICs) primarily employ pharmacists and actively participate in hospital committees. They provide valuable services like newsletters and research, with physicians as the main users.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Health Services Research
- Pharmacy Practice
Background:
- Pharmacist-operated Drug Information Centres (DICs) are crucial for disseminating drug-related information.
- Understanding the current status and services of Italian DICs is essential for service improvement and standardization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey pharmacist-operated DICs in Italy to ascertain their current status, service availability, and scope.
- To identify trends in DIC operations by comparing current data with previous surveys.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was mailed to 40 identified DICs across Italy.
- Data collected covered staffing, resources, activities, and services provided by the DICs.
- Results were analyzed and compared with historical data to identify trends.
Main Results:
- 36 DICs responded (90% response rate), representing most Italian regions.
- Pharmacists are the primary staff, with high participation in hospital committees (e.g., P/T, ethics, infection).
- DICs produce newsletters, engage in research, and handle queries mainly on drug efficacy, use, and adverse effects, with physicians as the primary users.
Conclusions:
- Italian DICs' activities align with European and American trends.
- Enhanced European collaboration could foster best practices, standardization, and harmonization of services.
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