Drug information centers: ASHP's role and effect of clinical pharmacy

The role of the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists in fostering the drug information movement is described, and the effects of clinical pharmacy practice on drug information centers are outlined. ASHP has been an early and consistent supporter of the pharmacists' role in providing drug information. In 1968 the Society adopted a statement that outlined the role and expected competencies of drug information specialists. Accreditation standards for specialized residencies in drug information practice were adopted in 1982. On a broad scale, drug information pharmacists foster rational drug therapy through input on pharmacy and therapeutics committees. In general, when decentralized drug distribution and clinical pharmacy services are implemented in a hospital, the number of questions asked of a drug information center decreases, but the type of question changes. Drug information pharmacists working with clinical pharmacists provide a communication system for providing other health-care practitioners with information necessary for optimal drug therapy in particular patients. To increase the efficiency of drug information centers, drug information pharmacists must incorporate computer technology into their practice sites.