Drug information centers: meeting future needs for drug information

Future trends in drug information services are discussed. Drug information centers (DICs) have developed from being the first clinical pharmacy service 20 years ago to providing a necessary support role for clinical pharmacy practitioners today. The necessary training for drug information pharmacists is described, and continued involvement of these pharmacists in clinical practice is recommended. The shift of health care from hospitals to outpatient clinics means that DICs will have to provide drug information services to community practitioners in the future. Alternative funding sources for DICs, including fee-for-service payment plans, must be developed. The merits of establishing regional DICs and marketing services directly to patients are outlined.