Use of drug information resources by the community pharmacist in Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the types of drug information resources used by community pharmacists in daily practice in Penang, Malaysia. A cross-sectional based survey was conducted among randomly selected community pharmacists in Penang state, Malaysia. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science Students SPSS 13®. Face-to-face interviews were conducted. A total of 85 community pharmacists were approached for this study. Of these, 65 pharmacists participated in the questionnaire survey, a response rate of 78.3%. Tertiary drug resources were used by the majority. About 18% were retrieving drug information from the primary drug information resources. Other sources used to provide drug information were leaflets provided by company representatives, professional peers and drug seminars organised by pharmaceutical companies. The use of tertiary sources of drug information was more common among community pharmacists in Penang, despite the benefits of using primary information.