An evaluation of 'Inpharma', a drug literature abstracting service

This study aimed to provide data on the characteristics of the drug literature abstracting service 'Inpharma'. Journal coverage, article yield and timeliness for a 3-year period were examined; the reliability and information content of 100 abstracts were also assessed. It was found that although 'Inpharma' is claimed to monitor a very large number of journals, over 98% of the abstracts were from 'core' journals of which there are approximately 350. Over 80% of the abstracts appeared within 4 months of publications of the original and abstracts from some of the American journals were available in the United Kingdom before the relevant primary journal. Sixteen errors were detected in 100 abstracts; five of these were typographical errors and nine deviations in accuracy. The publication is a good 'current awareness tool' but it should not be used where a comprehensive coverage of the literature is required. It is also important that the primary journal is consulted when detailed information is required.