Review of a drug information service in an Indian teaching hospital

Abstract

Aim: To describe a review of drug information activities in a teaching hospital in Mysore, India. Method: Drug information enquiry forms were reviewed for a 6 month period. Randomly selected enquiries were audited by experienced clinical pharmacists. Results: 370 enquiries were handled at an average of 62 per month. Most enquiries were from doctors (52%) and postgraduate medical students (30%). Questions most frequently related to administration/dosage (30%) and adverse drug reactions (27%). Standard textbooks were used for 64% of enquiries. Of the 16 enquiries directly audited, 15 were rated as good or excellent and 1 as 'can improve'. Conclusions: The service was well used. In developing countries, it is important to establish independent drug information centres beginning with basic resources. Output should be monitored with quality assurance programs. (author abstract)