Welche elektronischen Arzneimitteldatenbanken mit pädiatrischen Dosierungen werden von Schweizer Medizinalpersonen konsultiert

Abstract

Background: Determining the correct drug dosages for children is delicate. Drugs are frequently used "off-label" or "unlicensed" and dosage recommendations in the summary of product characteristics (SPC) are rarely available. The aim of our survey wsa to analyze the behaviour of Swiss healthcare professionals regarding their use of electronic drug databases, focusing on databases for pediatric dosages. Method/Results: An online survey was sent to Swiss pediatricians (N=1806) and pharmacists (N=2073). The rate of return was 23% (N=882). Over 70% of all participants use electronic drug databases at least once a week, whereas 36% use them daily. Only 6% never use electronic drug databases. The utilization of different information systems was analyzed. Websites on the computer and guidelines of the respective institution are mostly used. Such guidelines are crucial for pediatricians on the children's ward, 57% use them at least once a week. However, only 13% of the Swiss healthcare professionals use mobile apps at least once a week to look up pediatric dosages, 65% never use mobile apps. The most important database for pediatric dosages was www.compendium.ch followed by the website of the University Children's Hospital (www.kinderdosierungen.ch). Conclusion: Our results show that electronic information about pediatric dosages is frequently used by pediatricians and pharmacists and crucial for their daily work. The most important sources for pediatric dosages are the SPC and www.kinderdosierungen.ch . Especially in case of "off-label" or "unlicensed use" this website is an important tool for Swiss healthcare professionals.