Twenty years' experience with drug information centers

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Health Services Research
• Pharmacy Practice

Background:

• Drug Information Centers (DICs) were established in 1962 to promote rational drug therapy.
• Over 100 DICs now exist in the U.S., with most affiliated with hospitals or medical centers.
• DIC affiliations with pharmaceutical education programs are increasing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the origin, growth, and development of Drug Information Centers (DICs).
• To discuss the influence and role of DICs in promoting appropriate drug use and influencing drug policy.
• To identify current challenges and future expectations for DICs.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of DIC establishment and development.
• Analysis of survey data on DIC affiliations and operations.
• Discussion of evaluation methods and physician attitudes towards DICs.

Main Results:

• 81% of U.S. DICs are hospital-affiliated; 37.5% are linked to poison-control operations.
• DIC reports influence pharmacy and therapeutics committees, and community-oriented DICs promote appropriate drug use.
• No standardized criteria exist for measuring DIC usefulness and quality.

Conclusions:

• DICs serve as crucial links between committees, physicians, and practitioners, influencing drug policy.
• Future trends include a focus on funding, computerized systems, and expanded consumer services.
• While numerical growth may slow, DICs are expected to play a more active role in drug use management.