Enhancement of a probiotics practice reference database for healthcare professionals

Abstract

A probiotics practice reference database (https://bit.ly/sg-probiotics-ref) compiling probiotic products and clinical evidence on probiotics’ efficacy was previously developed to help healthcare professionals (HCPs) in making appropriate probiotic recommendations. This database has been enhanced and updated to contain published clinical studies after 2019 and probiotic products from multiple retail stores. A further 275 study excerpts and 304 products were newly added, thus resulting in the updated database containing a total of 859 study excerpts, 753 products and 5708 product-study links. The database was also enhanced with new features to improve search flexibility. A pilot evaluation of the database among 25 hospital and community pharmacists showed that the majority agreed that the database provided complete, comprehensive and relevant information on probiotic products and indications (72–92%), was useful and applicable to local practice (64–88%) and was user-friendly (92–100%). In addition, most indicated that they would recommend the database to others and continue to use it for probiotics information (96% each). Our findings showed potential in the database being used as an evidence-based resource for HCPs practice. Future work will aim to expand on and validate the database content, as well as evaluate its application among other groups of HCPs.