Evaluation of a drug information service in a south Indian teaching hospital

Aim: To evaluate the service provided by a drug information centre in a teaching hospital in Manipal, India. Method: Records of drug information responses were analysed over a 6-month period. Inquiries were categorised by type and resources required. A random selection of 50 responses (25 judgmental and 25 non-judgmental) was rated for quality according to international guidelines. To evaluate outcomes, a feedback questionnaire was distributed to hospital clinicians. Results: 395 inquires were received. Most were from physicians and were received during ward rounds. The most common questions related to adverse reactions (25%), drug therapy (22%) and dosage or administration (11%). Tertiary resources (textbooks) were used to answer 62% of inquiries. All non-judgmental responses were of acceptable quality (rating 3 or more). 22 of the 25 judgmental questions were rated as 'good' to 'excellent' and the other 3 were 'adequate'. 50 of 75 (67%) feedback questionnaires were returned. 90% of respondents were aware of the centre and 97% had received an appropriate answer within an acceptable time. Conclusion: The drug information centre was well used by health professionals and provided a high level of service. There was some scope for improvement with judgmental questions.