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Drug Information Center network: need, effectiveness, and cost justification
Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacy
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Pharmacists increasingly need drug and toxicology information to support rational therapeutics. Drug Information Centers (DICs) are essential resources for pharmacists, offering cost-effective services for patient care and education.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Practice
- Health Informatics
- Drug Information Science
Background:
- The pharmacy profession has undergone significant evolution over the past 15 years.
- Healthcare practitioners increasingly seek specialized drug information services from pharmacists.
- This demand spans various pharmacy practice settings, including institutional, community, governmental, and industrial sectors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the need for drug and toxicology information services in Tennessee.
- To evaluate the role and impact of Drug Information Centers (DICs) in supporting pharmacists.
- To determine the cost-effectiveness and justification of DIC programs.
Main Methods:
- Data analysis of information requests and services provided by a Drug Information Center.
- Surveys and perception studies among pharmacists regarding their roles and information needs.
- Evaluation of program delivery in teaching, service, research, and continuing education.
Main Results:
- A clear need for drug and toxicology information exists in Tennessee.
- Pharmacists view themselves as key providers of drug information, not just dispensing drugs.
- DICs are integral resources, supporting pharmacists in daily practice, education, and research.
- DIC programs are demonstrated to be cost-effective and justifiable.
Conclusions:
- Drug Information Centers are vital for pharmacists to provide optimal rational therapeutics.
- DICs fulfill essential roles in information provision, education, and research, proving cost-effective.
- Addressing the growing demand for drug information is crucial for advancing pharmacy practice.