Differences in pediatric drug information sources used by general versus subspecialist pediatricians

To describe pediatric labeling information needs and sources of general and subspecialist pediatricians. Study design. Self-administered questionnaire of Fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

The response rate was 48%. Top sources used by pediatricians to obtain pediatric labeling information were journals (86%), pediatric dosage books (84%), AAP News (77%), drug representatives (65%), and PDA-based databases (35%). Generalists were more likely than subspecialists to use AAP News (82% vs 60%; P < .001) and drug representatives (72% vs 41%; P < .001) to obtain prescribing information. Both groups reported that it was most important to have additional prescribing information for mental health and cardiovascular medications.

Despite differences in the methods used to obtain pediatric labeling information, generalist and subspecialist pediatricians both prioritized mental health and cardiovascular medications as needing additional prescribing information. Interventions to effectively disseminate new or revised pediatric labeling information to pediatricians should consider using methods identified in this study.