Drug use in pregnancy—physicians’ evaluation of quality and clinical impact of drug information centres

Abstract

To assess physicians' evaluation of quality, clinical impact and ranking of Norwegian drug information centres (DICs) with regard to drug use during pregnancy. Questionnaires were submitted consecutively to all physicians who consulted a Norwegian DIC in 2006 for information on patient-specific drug use during pregnancy. Of the 162 questionnaires sent out, 123 (76%) were returned and 117 were included in the analysis. All of the responding physicians reported that the DICs provided high-quality service in terms of providing information on drug use during pregnancy, and 92% stated that the answer from the DICs had a clinical impact. The DICs were ranked highest among the different sources providing information, and general practitioners (GP) ranked the information provided by DICs significantly higher than hospital physicians (HP). Physicians consider the information provided by Norwegian DICs on drug use during pregnancy to be of high quality and of significant clinical impact. The DICs were ranked highest as a source of information among GP, suggesting that the need for prescribing support is influenced by the workplace.