An Assessment of Free, Online Drug-Drug Interaction Screening Programs (DSPs)

Abstract

Objective This study evaluated the content and usability of four free, online drug-drug interaction screening programs (DSPs) and one proprietary DSP (CD-ROM format) requiring an annual fee. Methods Free, online DSPs that obtain their drug interaction information from unique providers were located through a comprehensive search of the Internet. For comparison purposes, a well-established, fee-based DSP was also included in the study. A tool for evaluating the DSPs for usability and quality of content was created. The usability characteristics assessed included ease of use, ability to support more than two drug entries at the same time, speed, and multifunctionality. Evaluation of content was based on accuracy, completeness, references, drug interaction management, and readability. A five-member panel of clinical pharmacists and drug information specialists in academia and the pharmaceutical industry validated the survey tool. Results Based on overall usability, Drkoop.com (Multum) rated higher than the other free DSPs, but below the comparator, DrugReax (Micromedex). Walgreens.com (Medi-Span) and Medscape (First Data-Bank) ranked lowest among all the DSPs in terms of usability. Based on content, Walgreens ranked first and Clinical Pharmacology 2000 (Gold Standard Multimedia) ranked last (P= 0.015, ANOVA). Conclusion All of the evaluated DSPs were useful. Some were better than others depending on the assessment category. Walgreens rated the highest in terms of accuracy, completeness, and drug interaction management information. Drkoop.com rated the highest with regard to comprehensive references and pharmacist-assessed, consumer-friendly language. All of the free, online DSPs could improve their speed of information retrieval.