Use of DRUGLINE--a question-and-answer database.

BACKGROUND: DRUGLINE is a full-text, question-and-answer database offering drug information that has been evaluated as a result of consultations in a drug information center. A problem-oriented database such as DRUGLINE can be an efficient way to meet the increasing need among healthcare professionals for timely and accurate drug information. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how DRUGLINE was used during the years 1988 and 1990 and to identify any changes in needs, expectations, satisfaction, and use that occurred during those two years. DESIGN: This study investigated the use of DRUGLINE during two separate years. Questionnaires relating to DRUGLINE use during 1988 and 1990 were sent on two occasions to all users having access to the database. The anonymous questionnaires contained 17 and 18 questions, respectively. SETTING: The setting included MEDLINE/DRUGLINE use in healthcare institutions, pharmacies, medical libraries, and the pharmaceutical industry. PARTICIPANTS: The questionnaires were sent to all customers of the database host Medical Information Centre at the Karolinska Institute Library and Information Centre having access to DRUGLINE during 1988 and 1990.

Clinical pharmacology and the provision of drug information.

Clinical pharmacologists have a service role in the provision of drug information to individuals both in hospitals and primary health care. We present here a systematic approach in answering questions in a drug information centre (DIC), and describe the working method and the documentation of the work in a question answer (Q/A) data base. Drugline is a full-text data base offering problem-oriented drug evaluation comparable to a clinical consultation. The drug information is produced in a non-commercial drug information centre sponsored by the national health care sector and the National Corporation of Swedish Pharmacies, and run jointly by clinical pharmacologists and pharmacists. A minor part of Drugline is available in English for online searching, in parallel with Medline at the database host, the Medical Information Centre at the Karolinska Institute Library and Information Centre, and the users represent mainly medical libraries, hospital pharmacies, university clinics, and the pharmaceutical industry. A network of DICs has been organized in Swedish university hospitals with access to Drugline for searching and the storage of questions and answers. This network has the potential for expansion throughout Europe. It offers the unique possibility of complementing drug product information with problem-oriented drug information emerging from cases in the real world of prescribing.