Abstract

DRUG INFORMATION SERVICE: A VALUABLE SERVICE FOR BETTER PATIENT CARE PROVIDED BY CLINICAL PHARMACISTS IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL

Dr. Walli Mohammed*, Dr. Samreen Afroz, Dr. Satish Miriyala, Dr. G. Ramya Naidu, Shardha Srikanth and Dr.V. Uma Maheswara Rao

Abstract

Drug information service is one of the clinical pharmacy services which include the activities of providing current, accurate, specific and critically evaluated information in response to patient oriented problems to health care professionals, patients & patient caretakers thereby ensuring better patient care and rational use of medications. In this prospective study structured documentation forms (English, Telugu & Urdu) were prepared to receive & respond queries and feedback. Queries were received through direct access, query box, SMS, telephone and e-mail from Gandhi hospital Secunderabad, India; between November 2013 and April 2014. A total of 139 queries were received, responded using standard and authentic references within stipulated time period and documented, categorized & analyzed to obtain final results. Out of 139 queries, 72(51.8%) queries were received by direct access followed by query box. Nurses 47(33.8%), patients & patient caretakers 41(29.5%) utilized this service almost equally when compare to all other enquirers. Telugu 31(22.3%) and Urdu 12(8.7%) forms were frequently used by patients & patient caretakers. Most of the queries were asked to update the knowledge 87(62.5%) than better patient care 52(37.4%). 22(15.8%) queries were asked to respond immediately and 39(28.0%) within 2-4 Hours. 54(38.8%) queries were answered using electronic data-base followed by tertiary, primary, secondary and other (web). Feedback shows the service was accepted by enquirers. Drug information service in hospital was found to be beneficial for health care professionals, patients & patient caretakers as most queries were asked to update the knowledge. However, updating knowledge will also lead to better patient care.

Keywords: Drug information service, Clinical pharmacists, Better patient care, India.