North Carolina Physician Access to Drug Information Resources

Abstract

Each year the increasing number of new medications marketed and treatment guidelines established makes it very difficult for busy physicians to keep abreast of new developments. Thus, it is necessary for physicians to have convenient access to sources of drug information (Df). The purpose of this study was to assess physicians’ access to DI resources. Approximately 1000 physicians specializing in internal medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics were randomly selected from a listing of physicians registered with the North Carolina Medical Board. A survey questionnaire designed to identify printed and computerized medication resources to which the physician has immediate access was mailed. The survey also asked the physician to estimate how often he/she consulted other health care professionals for medication-related information. Access to formal drug information centers through affiliation with an academic institution, managed care organization, or another source was also identified. Of the 279 surveys returned, 262 of them were evaluable. The most common print references responding physicians reported having access to in daily practice were the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR) (99%) and various medical journals (50%). Approximately one third of the physicians reported having access to Medline, while less than 25% have access to the Internet. Of the various human DI resources, physicians reported using pharmacists most frequently, followed by physician colleagues. Physicians infrequently reported using DI centers as sources of information. Overall, surveyed physicians indicated a desire to increase their access to drug information resources in daily clinical practice.