Abstract
BackgroundOnline drug information databases are used to assist in enhancing clinical decision support. However, the choice of which online database to consult, purchase or subscribe to is likely made based on subjective elements such as history of use, familiarity, or availability during professional training. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical decision support tools for drug information by systematically comparing the most commonly used online drug information databases.MethodsFive commercially available and two freely available online drug information databases were evaluated according to scope (presence or absence of answer), completeness (the comprehensiveness of the answers), and ease of use. Additionally, a composite score integrating all three criteria was utilized. Fifteen weighted categories comprised of 158 questions were used to conduct the analysis. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square were used to summarize the evaluation components and make comparisons between databases. Scheffe's multiple comparison procedure was used to determine statistically different scope and completeness scores. The composite score was subjected to sensitivity analysis to investigate the effect of the choice of percentages for scope and completeness.ResultsThe rankings for the databases from highest to lowest, based on composite scores were Clinical Pharmacology, Micromedex, Lexi-Comp Online, Facts & Comparisons 4.0, Epocrates Online Premium, RxList.com, and Epocrates Online Free. Differences in scope produced three statistical groupings with Group 1 (best) performers being: Clinical Pharmacology, Micromedex, Facts & Comparisons 4.0, Lexi-Comp Online, Group 2: Epocrates Premium and RxList.com and Group 3: Epocrates Free (p < 0.05). Completeness scores were similarly stratified. Collapsing the databases into two groups by access (subscription or free), showed the subscription databases performed better than the free databases in the measured criteria (p < 0.001).ConclusionOnline drug information databases, which belong to clinical decision support, vary in their ability to answer questions across a range of categories.
Highlights
Online drug information databases are used to assist in enhancing clinical decision support
Considering the estimate that the entire body of medical knowledge doubles every two years, it is no surprise that health information technology and computer-based decision support resources have been targeted for their potential value in enhancing safety and improving patient outcomes [1,2]
Scope The scope evaluation component was designed to determine if a correct answer was present in the database for each corresponding question
Summary
Online drug information databases are used to assist in enhancing clinical decision support. One example of resources is the online drug information databases These drug information databases are used to assist in enhancing clinical decision support regarding a number of patient-related therapeutic choices including: determining weight-based or renallyimpaired dosing regimens, monitoring for drug interactions, and identifying safety risks [3]. A few recent articles have been published which examined a narrow spectrum such as electronic or online databases used for identifying prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) solid dosage forms and herb-drug interactions [6-8]. None of those articles targeted overall drug database use by healthcare practitioners nor were they comprehensive in their database selection. No studies have been published comparing commercially available and freely available online drug databases
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
