Physician use and evaluation of a hospital-based drug information center

The use of a hospital-based information center by physicians was investigated. A questionnaire was used to gather information from physicians using the services of the center. The study was conducted over a six-month period. Of the 126 questionnaires distributed, 115 (91.1%) were completed and returned. The number of physicians studied was 100. The five categories of drug information most frequently requested involved adverse reactions, dosage, therapeutic use, availability and toxicity. Physicians used information most frequently for purposes of direct patient care. Evaluations of the quality, accuracy and quantity of information provided by the center were high. Physicians using information for purposes of direct patient care felt the information was clinically significant. Although certain inadequacies were identified, it was concluded that the center serves as a reliable source of comprehensive and accurate drug information for physicians.