Drug information services in an oncology institution

Information requests received over a 14-month period in the drug information service of an oncology hospital were reviewed. Requests were classified as to the nature of the question, category of requestor and geographical distribution of both questions and requestors. Inquiries were tabulated as either oncology-related or nononcology and further divided into one of 12 information categoreis. Those questions concerning investigational chemotherapy and unproven cancer remedies were tabulated. An average of 104 requests monthly were received. Prescribing practitioners accounted for 47.7% of all inquirers. Overall, 39.4% of total requests were oncology-related. The majority (72%) of total requests originated within the institution. The greatest number of requests (17.7%) were of a general review nature. The second greatest number (14.3%) were efficacy-related questions which solicited an opinion as to the appropriateness of drug use. Methods need to be developed for measuring the impact of drug information services on prescribing habits.