Methods used by pharmacy departments to identify drug interactions

The results of a survey evaluating the methods that pharmacy departments use to manage drug interactions, and their satisfaction with those methods, are reported. A random sample of 300 hospitals with more than 200 beds was selected, and a questionnaire was mailed in January 1991 to the directors of the pharmacy departments of these hospitals. Of the 300 questionnaires mailed, 167 were completed and returned. Thirty-seven percent of the hospitals offered pharmacy services through a central location only, whereas 63% offered such services through a combination of central and decentral locations. The majority of hospitals (83%) detected drug interactions through the knowledge of the pharmacist processing orders. Nearly all central pharmacies had AHFS Drug Information and Facts and Comparisons available for drug interaction information, but these resources were available in only slightly more than half of all decentral pharmacies surveyed. Fifty-four percent of the responding institutions had a computerized drug distribution system with a drug interaction component; 56% of these classified their system as "indispensable" or "helpful," while 44% classified their system as "somewhat helpful but sometimes a hindrance." Sixty-eight percent of all respondents believed that the availability of a drug interaction computer program increased the number of drug interactions identified. Sixty-eight percent of respondents perceived that pharmacists provided proper follow-up. Overall, 66% of respondents were not satisfied with their method for detection and follow-up of interactions. Of those who were satisfied, 79% had a computerized drug interaction program. Respondents who reported departmental audits or quality assessment procedures were also more likely to be satisfied.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)