The Medical Information Scientific Process: Define, Research, Evaluate, Synthesize, and Share (DRESS)

Area of Science:

• Medical Communications
• Pharmaceutical Science
• Information Science

Background:

• Medical Information (MI) professionals handle unsolicited requests regarding company products.
• The Pharma Collaboration for Transparent Medical Information (phactMI) established a code of practice for MI provision.
• This code introduced the concept of "MI science skills" for MI professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explain the rationale for using the term "MI scientist" instead of "MI professional."
• To define and elaborate on the "MI science skills" required for the role.
• To align the MI role with the scientific process of data generation and dissemination.

Main Methods:

• The paper outlines a five-step approach used by MI professionals: Define, Research, Evaluate, Synthesize, Share (DRESS).
• This approach mirrors the scientific method.
• The DRESS acronym is used to categorize the core MI science skills.

Main Results:

• The DRESS approach encompasses the essential skills for effectively responding to medical information requests.
• The term "MI scientist" better represents the rigorous, evidence-based nature of the MI role.
• MI professionals utilize a systematic process akin to scientific inquiry.

Conclusions:

• The MI role is fundamentally scientific, warranting the description "MI scientist."
• The DRESS framework provides a clear model for understanding and developing essential MI science skills.
• Adopting the term "MI scientist" promotes a higher standard for the medical information profession.