Prepared by: Noor Al-Hakami Razan Al-Jaser Establishing Drug Information Centre
Outlines Introduction History Definitions Functions Requirements Stepwise Approach in Handling Information Queries Studies done in KSA
Introduction Lack of access to information remains a major barrier to knowledge-based health care in developing countries Access to authoritative and independent information is fundamental for the rational and effective use of drugs Inappropriate use of drug is a waste of precious resources and increases the risk of avoidable drug-related toxicity
Cont Drug information centers support the functions of healthcare professionals to deliver high quality drug use They focus resources and specialist staff to answer complex questions, provide education and training in drug information practices, and assist with other public health initiatives
History In 1962, the first drug information center was opened at the University of Kentucky Medical Center In 1978 the first drug and poison information center in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) at the College of Pharmacy, King Saud University was opened
Definitions Drug Information: Information on the discovery, development, evaluation and utilization of medicines and related health care technologies. WHO definition of Drug Information Centre: a service unit committed to providing drug information as it relates to therapies, pharmacoeconomics, education, and research programs. A DIC provides unbiased information to health care professionals, patients and/or consumers.
Toxicology Drug Evaluation Answering questions Pharmacovigilance Developing guidelines Formulary management Functions P&T committee activity Research Development of medication use policies Dissemination of Information Education and Training
Requirements Personnel Facilities Resources
Stepwise Approach in Handling Information Queries Step1 step2 Secure Demographics of the requestor Obtain Background Information step3 step4 Determine and Categorize the actual Question Develop the Search Strategy and Conduct the Research step5 step6 Perform Evaluation, Analysis and Synthesis Formulate and Provide a Response
Only 70% of the physicians were aware of the existence of DICs in KSA Physicians relied heavily on books, periodicals, symposia and company representatives Information categories likely to be requested by physicians from DICs in the future are complementary/herbal medicine (50.5%); cautions/contraindications/adverse effects of drugs (48.9%); drug overview (drug monographs) (47.8%).
References Patrick M. Malone, Karen L. Kier, John E. Stanovich. Drug Information: A Guide for Pharmacists, 3rd Edition; Chapter 1. Introduction to the Concept of Medication Information. Godlee F, Pakenham-Walsh N, Ncayiyana D, Cohen B, Packer A. Can we achieve health information for all by 2015? Lancet 2004; 364: 295-300. National Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). (2005). Requirements for Drug Information Centres. Available: http://www.fip.org/files/fip/pi/requirementsfordruginformationcentres.pdf. Last accessed 4th Nov 2013.
Personnel The number of personnel required will depend on the range of activities offered and the hours of service. Clinical training and experience is essential for effective communication with clinicians. Other important attributes are computer skills, literature analysis, editing and library management.
Facilities Basic equipment required for a centre include: Furniture Desks, chairs, shelving, etc.. Communications Telephones, facsimile, internet access, etc Computers Including external data backup, printer, etc.. Softwares For word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentations, etc Textbooks and electronic information resources
Resources Tertiary Eg: textbooks Secondary Eg: indexing services Primary Eg: journal articles