Drug Information Website Research Articles

DI-QC: A tool for assessing the quality of drug information websites

Given that the quality of drug information on the World Wide Web varies greatly, it is essential to evaluate websites and their information before use. While various tools exist for evaluating health information websites, most are either not specific to drug information or are tailored to a particular group of drugs. This study aimed to develop a tool to evaluate drug information websites for both pharmacists and consumers, and to assess its validity, reliability, and applicability. We drafted a conceptual framework for drug information website evaluation, leading to the creation of a user-guidance type evaluation tool, named DI-QC, which exists in two versions: one for pharmacists and one for consumers. Each version comprises 26 items. The validity of DI-QC was confirmed with an S-CVI/Ave of 0.86 for the pharmacist version and 0.87 for the consumer version. The reliability of DI-QC was also assessed in terms of inter-rater agreement, with results showing consistent agreement across items. To demonstrate the applicability of DI-QC, forty-four drug information websites were evaluated. Using the pharmacist and consumer versions of DI-QC, 38.64% and 34.09% of the websites, respectively, were rated as ‘Good’. In conclusion, the DI-QC assessment tool was developed through a reliable process and is applicable and beneficial for evaluating drug information websites for both pharmacists and consumers.

PS-C36-2: COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS AT DIFFERENT PRIVATE CLINICAL SETUPS OF HYDERABAD, PAKISTAN

Objective: To Evaluate the degree of drug-drug interactions and their comparison among known hypertensive patients in government hospital and charitable hospital. Methodology: This study involved the assessment of 1500 patients prescription selected by random sampling technique from the OPDs of 02 different private clinical setups of Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. Patients prescription was evaluated for drug-drug interactions using drug interaction software, Lexi-comp Lexi-Interact, Drug Information website, Hansten and Horn drug interactions: Analysis and Management. Results: Randomly collected samples have been arranged according to their flow in private clinical setups i.e 663 and 837 were collected from government and charitable setups respectively. While on gender wise 62% were male and 38% of female in charitable, 59% and 41% were of male and female respectively in government setup. Out of 1500 Prescriptions, 645 (43%) prescriptions having different degree of interactions. Furthermore, 44% of total interactions were found in government setup that was more than charitable setup i.e 42%. Out of 44%, 61% of interactions were belong to moderate type of interactions, which is less as compared to charitable setup i.e 64%. Mostly 37 cases b/w Diuretics with Laxatives, Antidiabetic, NSAIDS and Antihistamines in government setups in a total of moderate interactions, while 55 cases of interaction b/w ACEIs with NSAIDS, Antihistamines, Antidiabetic and vasodilators in a total of moderate interactions in charitable setups. Conclusion: It was clearly stated that drug-drug interactions may leads to morbidities and treatment failures that may leads to unnecessary economic burden on the patients. A proper vigilance system should be established in clinical setups of government and charitable hospitals to sort out the problem. A series of training session will be started to cope up the situation.

Dental Drug Information Websites Resources: New Initiative Project in Saudi Arabia

PTB Reports,2021,7,2,53-60.DOI:10.5530/PTB.2021.7.10Published:September 2021Type:Review ArticleAuthors:Yousef Ahmed Alomi, Hanin Sumaydan Saleam Aljohani, and Arub Abdullah Batil Albatil Author(s) affiliations:Yousef Ahmed Alomi* BSc. Pharm, MSc. Clin Pharm, BCPS, BCNSP, DiBA, CDE Critical Care Clinical Pharmacists TPN Clinical Pharmacist, Freelancer Business Planner, Content Editor, and Data Analyst, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Hanin Sumaydan Saleam Aljohani Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Arub Abdullah Batil Albatil Majmaah University, College of Dentistry Faculty of Dentistry at Al Zulfi Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Abstract:Objectives: All healthcare professionals necessity to improve and update their medical and pharmaceutical knowledge, including dentists. There are numerous types of dental medications, including drug information website resources. The current review is to reconnoiter references websites of medications in the dental care. Methods: It is a literature review of a drug information website for dentists. Probing was done in PubMed and Medline about this field. The search encompassed all study designs but was not limited to the observation study, clinical trial, meta-analysis and systemic, and review articles. The current topic debated the market assessment demand, team and cost management of the project, quality and risk management of the project. It was rationalized on selected dental drug websites designed with medications coverage, frequency updated, and responsible publisher. Results: More than 13 drug information websites for dental practice had been intended. The websites consisted of free governmental or healthcare organizations websites highlighting international medications regulation or local drug regulatory affairs with mobile applications format. Free non-governmental drug information website entailed of drug therapy as part of disease management and other medication patient education websites. All websites of dental drug information resources should be measured undergraduate and postgraduate dental practitioners. Conclusion: Dental drug information resources website is real-world and more accessible than other resources. Therefore, implementation of the current project is highly recommended for dental colleges and healthcare organizations. Keywords:Dental, Drug, Information, Resources, Saudi Arabia, WebsitesView:PDF (208.56 KB) PDF PDF Images Dental Drug Information Websites Resources: New Initiative Project in Saudi Arabia

Antibiotic dosing adjustments in patients with declined kidney function at a tertiary hospital in Jordan.

Estimating kidney function is essential to consider in drug dosing for renally eliminated drugs. It has been estimated that more than half of medications' adverse effects are caused by the inappropriate dosing. Limited data are available on drug dosing adjustment, particularly the antibiotics, among Jordanian patients with declined kidney function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of antibiotics' dose adjustment according to the recent guidelines of drugs' renal dose adjustment. The present study utilised data from a previous retrospective study, which recruited inpatients who were clinically stable and received IV antibiotics for more than 24hours at King Abdullah University Hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected by referring to information technology departments at KAUH. The percentage of antibiotics which were inappropriately adjusted based on creatinine clearance was evaluated using Lexicomp-Clinical Drug information website. A total of 110 antibiotics were dispensed for 80 patients. Results showed that (36.25%) of patients were given antibiotics without renal dose adjustments based on their creatinine clearance. Urinary tract infections followed by respiratory tract infections were the most common among the study participants. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was Imipenem/cilastatin (41.25%). Among antibiotics prescribed without renal dose adjustment, Imipenem/cilastatin was the most common and represented 62% of the cases while vancomycin was the least and represented only 3.45% of the non-renally adjusted doses. The current study clearly demonstrates the lack of adherence to recent guidelines of renal dose adjustment for renally excreted antibiotics. Such findings shed the light on the necessity of considering antibiotics dose adjustment in patients with declined kidney function with the aim of ensuring medication safety and improve health outcomes.

Genesis of an emergency public drug information website by the French Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 16, 2020, the French Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics put online a national Question and Answer (Q&A) website, https://sfpt-fr.org/covid19 on the proper use of drugs during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The working group ‘Drugs and COVID‐19’ was composed of a scientific council, an editorial team, and experts in the field. The first questions were posted online during the first evening of home‐confinement in France, March 17, 2020. Six weeks later, 140 Q&As have been posted. Questions on the controversial use of hydroxychloroquine and to a lesser extent concerning azithromycin have been the most consulted Q&As. Q&As have been consulted 226 014 times in 41 days. This large visibility was obtained through an early communication on Twitter, Facebook, traditional print, and web media. In addition, an early communication through the French Ministry of Health and the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety ANSM had a large impact in terms of daily number of views. There is a pressing need to sustain a public drug information service combining the expertise of scholarly pharmacology societies, pharmacovigilance network, and the Ministry of Health to quickly provide understandable, clear, expert answers to the general population’s concerns regarding COVID‐19 and drug use and to counter fake news.

Principal Component Analysis: A Tool for Identifying Web Document Characteristics Affecting Quality of Drug Information Websites

Principal Component Analysis: A Tool for Identifying Web Document Characteristics Affecting Quality of Drug Information Websites

The role of Toujeo®, insulin glargine U-300, in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

The purpose of this article is to educate nurse practitioners about the role of Toujeo®, insulin glargine U-300 (Gla-300), which is a new option for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE with the key terms: insulin glargine 300, Toujeo, Gla-300, and EDITION for clinical trial data. Other resources included package inserts, drug information websites, and the World Health Organization (WHO). Gla-300 appears to be a safe and effective option for basal insulin therapy. In clinical trials, it was shown to be equally efficacious as Gla-100 with fewer episodes of hypoglycemia and slightly less weight gain, and subjects receiving Gla-300 required approximately 10 units more basal insulin to obtain the same hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as subjects receiving Gla-100. This new basal therapy option represents a potential advantage for patients who require higher doses of insulin because of the higher concentration of Gla-300. The lower incidence of hypoglycemia and more predictable pharmacokinetics could offer a significant therapeutic benefit in difficult-to-control patients with diabetes mellitus. The biggest disadvantage of this product is the slightly higher insulin dosage that is required to improve and/or maintain patients' HbA1c.

Comparison of drug information on consumer drug review sites versus authoritative health information websites

Large amounts of health‐related information of different types are available on the web. In addition to authoritative health information sites maintained by government health departments and healthcare institutions, there are many social media sites carrying user‐contributed information. This study sought to identify the types of drug information available on consumer‐contributed drug review sites when compared with authoritative drug information websites. Content analysis was performed on the information available for nine drugs on three authoritative sites (RxList, eMC, and PDRhealth) as well as three drug review sites (WebMD, RateADrug, and PatientsLikeMe). The types of information found on authoritative sites but rarely on drug review sites include pharmacology, special population considerations, contraindications, and drug interactions. Types of information found only on drug review sites include drug efficacy, drug resistance experienced by long‐term users, cost of drug in relation to insurance coverage, availability of generic forms, comparison with other similar drugs and with other versions of the drug, difficulty in using the drug, and advice on coping with side effects. Drug efficacy ratings by users were found to be different across the three sites. Side effects were vividly described in context, with user assessment of severity based on discomfort and effect on their lives.

Electronic screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for poly-drug users in emergency services (the eSBIRTes Project)

The general objective of the eSBIRTes project (http:// www.esbirtes.eu) was to identify and develop effective tools for screening, brief interventions and referral to treatment for adults presenting at the emergency department (ED) with problems related to poly-drug use. The electronic screening brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) was pilot tested in four EDs in general hospitals and four first aid stands in dance festivals in Belgium and Hungary. Methods After being treated for their acute health problem, all clients meeting our inclusion criteria were screened using a self-administered modified ASSIST. The screening resulted in 3 possible outcomes: low, moderate, or high risk. Clients whose score was in the low range received an email with a link to local/national drug information website(s). Moderate-risk-clients were referred to an online self help module (DASH) on alcohol, cocaine, GHB, and/or cannabis. Clients in the high-risk range received an overview of treatment centers where they could find professional help; they had also the option to join the self-help module. Results 187 attendees completed the screening tool, of whom 119 (63.6%) had a moderate or a high risk for at least one substance. A large proportion of these moderate or high risk users identified themselves as poly drug users, with 30.5% of all respondents receiving a moderate or high risk result for more than one substance. 28% of the participating patients obtained a ‘moderate’ risk score for alcohol, cannabis, cocaine or GHB. They were referred to the online self-help module. Conclusion Within the eSBIRTes project we developed a valuable tool, but the pilot implementation phase has shown that there is a strong need for additional research, especially regarding the setting for this type of intervention. Further research is also needed regarding the conditions under which users of recreational drugs are most open to consider their drug use.

Free, Authoritative Online Drug Information Directory: PharmGuide

Many free Web sites provide drug information, but it can be difficult to determine if these sites are trustworthy and correct. PharmGuide (http://goo.gl/f14Me) is an online directory of Web sites providing accurate, authoritative, and free information about prescription and over-the-counter drugs. It was created and is maintained by the Pharmacy and Drug Information Section of the Medical Library Association. Nine criteria are used to assess Web sites, ensuring that selected sites are current, unbiased, and authoritative. Intended for use by librarians, health care professionals, and consumers, PharmGuide provides annotations describing the content and navigation of free drug information Web sites.

Ketamine is associated with lower urinary tract signs and symptoms

BackgroundCase reports and series indicate that ketamine, an anesthetic agent, causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This study explored whether ketamine users were more likely to report LUTS compared to other substance users. MethodsParticipants were recruited through an online survey on erowid.org, a drug information website. A notice posted on the website invited substance users to participate in a web-based survey on “drug use and health”. The notice did not mention ketamine, or other aspects of the research questions, to avoid participation bias. The anonymous survey collected demographics, drug use history, and history of LUTS (urinary frequency, urgency, incontinence, hematuria, and dysuria). ResultsOf 18,802 participants, 18.7% and 5.8% reported ever (lifetime) and recent (past-6-month) use of ketamine, respectively. Prevalence of LUTS among ever, recent, and never users of ketamine were 28%, 30%, and 24% respectively. Multivariate analysis showed significant associations between recent ketamine use and urinary symptoms. For each additional day of ketamine use in the last 180 days, the odds of developing urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria, and hematuria increased by 1.6%, 1.4%, 1.7%, and 1.9% respectively. One excess case of urinary frequency was reported per 17 recent users of ketamine. ConclusionCompared to non-users, recent ketamine users had increased odds of LUTS. This is the first large-scale community-based study assessing the association of non-medical ketamine use with LUTS. Associations between ketamine and urological symptoms should be confirmed through longitudinal studies.

The utilization of Arabic online drug information among adults in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, the utilization of the world wide web has become increasingly popular. However, the exact figure of such use is unknown. This study aimed to determine the percentage of, and experience with, online Arabic drug information by Arabic-speaking adults in Saudi Arabia. A web based questionnaire was used. The questionnaire language was Arabic. Public were invited to participate in the survey through e-mails, Twitter, WhatsApp and Facebook in March 2012. The survey included 17 items examining the types of accessed Arabic drug information, the respondent’s demographics, their ability to easily find and understand Arabic drug-related information, and their trustfulness and dependency on such information websites. Of the 422 Arabic speaking adults who answered the questionnaire, 88% stated that they used Arabic websites to answer drug-related questions. Of the respondents, 50% had a bachelor’s degree, 44% were young adults, over half were female (60%), and 72% of them have a chronic disease. The ease of retrieving online information was the most common reason (69%) for consulting such websites. Google as a search engine was the most frequently (86%) accessible website. Although respondents reported different drug-related topics in their online searching, the search for adverse effects was the most common (68%). Respondents claimed that they could easily find (65%) and understand (49%) the drug-related information. Although a good number of respondents qualified this type of information as good, double-checking of information on other websites was highly recommended. Trustfulness was one of the important parameters to measure and 205 respondents (55%) claimed that they only trusted half of the information cited. Moreover, around 48% of respondents considered that finding the same information on more than one website increased its trustfulness. Surprisingly, 54% of respondents did not depend on Arabic information websites when making decisions on drug use. There are a high proportion of Arabic speaking people in Saudi Arabia using and consulting Arabic drug information websites. This information is easily found and understood. However, the quality and trustfulness of such websites are not high enough to depend on them. A qualified Arabic drug information website is important to meet this need.

Use patterns and self-reported effects of Salvia divinorum: An internet-based survey

BackgroundThere is growing use of Salvia divinorum (SD), a psychoactive plant that produces hallucinogen-like effects through a kappa opioid receptor (KOR) mechanism. Little is known about KOR agonist effects in humans and about users of SD. ObjectivesTo characterize the reasons, methods, and reported consequences of SD use. MethodsIndividuals reading SD-related pages of a drug-information website were invited to anonymously complete an online questionnaire if they had used SD. ResultsParticipants (N=500) were 92.6% male and 23.4±8.7 (mean±s.d.) years old. They had used a median of six times (range 1–250). 80.6% probably or definitely would use SD again. Most participants (92.6%) typically smoked or vaporized SD product. When smoked, the drug's main effects were estimated to last 14.1±12.8 (range 0.5–120) minutes. When asked to compare SD effects to other methods of altering consciousness, the most common answer was that SD was unique (38.4%). 25.8% reported persisting (≥24h) positive effects (often described as increased sense of well-being) on at least one occasion. 4.4% reported persisting negative effects (most often anxiety). ConclusionsSD is typically smoked, acute effects are brief, and persistent adverse effects are uncommon. In addition to acute hallucinogenic effects, SD may produce subacute increases in subjective well-being. Such a subacute effect would be unusual for a drug that is used non-medically, as withdrawal from other drugs typically either does not affect mood or causes dysphoria. Findings from this convenience sample should be confirmed and extended using surveys of random samples and controlled clinical studies.

Design and implementation of a point-of-care computerized system for drug therapy in Stockholm metropolitan health region—Bridging the gap between knowledge and practice

Introduction Stockholm County Council is the largest health care provider in Sweden with an annual budget of US$ 5 billion and catering the needs of a metropolitan population of 2 million people. About 10% of health care costs are used on drugs. In 1996 Stockholm County Council decided to address the main problems associated with the process and the quality of drug prescribing. Methods A multiyear strategy was designed, including the establishment of a strong evidence-based organisation, Drug and Therapeutics Committees and editorial resources to adapt information to the IT-media and the development of the IT-architecture. The development and implementation of computerized tools such as a physician drug order entry system including decision support, a drug information website and electronic transmission of prescriptions were started in 1996. Results The implementation was slow at the point-of-care units. It took about 6 years before the implementation process gained speed. In September 2005 almost 1000 doctors could use the decision support system for prescribing drugs and more than 70% of all prescriptions were transmitted electronically in our region. Conclusions The work with the strategy has shown that improvements in drug use can be accomplished by providing access to simple, rapid and safe electronic tools, but the information provided has to be associated with well-recognized regional and national expert organisations.

Drug Information Website Can Keep Its Name; Harvard Establishes Healthcare Law Center

Drug Information Website Can Keep Its Name; Harvard Establishes Healthcare Law Center

Development and Implementation of Drug Information Web Site for Health Care Professionals

Technical product information found on the Web sites of most pharmaceutical companies is limited to the package insert. In an effort to give health care professionals expanded access to technical information, the Professional Product Information department at Roche Laboratories Inc. created a Web site that provides a broad variety of drug information, including on- and off-label information on products marketed by Roche. The Professional Product Information Web site is designed to provide clinicians with the same information that would otherwise be provided in response to a telephone call or a written inquiry. The development of this Web site required the collaboration of several departments including law, regulatory affairs, technology management, business information systems, and media design management. This article reviews the many considerations in creating such a Web site.

Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Drug Information & Safety Department Survey of Customer Needs and Satisfaction

The purpose of this survey was to evaluate customer satisfaction with the services provided by the Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Roche) Drug Information and Safety Department, and to identify the department’s strengths and areas for improvement. Bilingual surveys (English or French) were sent to 100 hospital pharmacists, 100 community pharmacists, 100 physicians, and 30 drug information centers randomly selected from a list of all inquiries made between November 1, 1996 and February 27, 1997. A slightly different version of the survey was sent to 125 Roche sales representatives. The response rate was 51.2%. Respondents reported a high level of overall satisfaction with Roche drug information services. In general, there was a good correlation between customer needs and customer satisfaction with the services offered. Areas of strength were identified as courtesy of personnel, accuracy, and relevance to the inquiry. The major area for improvement was found to be response time. Strategies for improvement include expanding the range of topics available through the “Fax on Demand” system, raising customer awareness of this system, streamlining the process of handling information requests, and using a drug information website with an externally accessible database to reduce the workload of the Roche Drug Information and Safety Department.