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Effectiveness of drug information centers
1Drug Information Center, Chandler Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky.
Critical Reviews in Medical Informatics
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Drug information centers (DICs) in the U.S. are refining their services, education, and research. Future growth is limited, but existing centers will become more productive and establish better practice standards.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Drug information centers (DICs) have been established in the U.S. for over two decades.
- The number of DICs has grown to approximately 120, with future growth expected to be limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify the present activities of drug information centers.
- To review methods and results of effectiveness evaluations for DICs.
- To discuss the need for definitive standards of practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and data on DIC activities and evaluations.
- Analysis of factors influencing the scope of services, education, and research.
- Examination of effectiveness measurement methods, focusing on service productivity and user-perceived value.
Main Results:
- DIC activities are categorized into service, education, and research.
- The scope and involvement in these activities are influenced by center location and affiliations.
- Effectiveness is primarily measured by service productivity and user value, with a need for improved standards.
Conclusions:
- Drug information centers are evolving towards more refined and productive operations.
- Standardization of practice and evaluation methods is necessary for DICs.
- Future efforts should focus on enhancing the quality and impact of DIC services, education, and research.