Evaluation and Critical Appraisal of a Random Sample of Drug Information Practice in United States Academic and Industry Medical Information Centers

Abstract

Capturing the best practices in an academic and pharmaceutical industry drug information center, and in turn, incorporating them into improved methodical work procedures and current services, is a goal for most drug information centers. The best practices should represent the most efficient and productive means of providing drug information. Knowing this information helps to improve workflow, decrease costs, increase overall productivity and proficiency, and improve employee and customer satisfaction. In order to critically evaluate the current situation and fully comprehend the established practice standards, an evaluation survey was conducted. Two separate surveys were sent electronically or faxed to both academic and industry drug information departments. The survey focused on utilization of the drug information center within the department, practice procedures and resources utilized in answering drug information requests, training and evaluation of employees, means of providing quality assurance, and technical and operational logistics. A description and results of this survey are described.