Drug Information Service
Introduction
Drug Information Services (DIS) are integral components of hospital pharmacy practice,
designed to ensure the safe, effective, and evidence-based use of medications. These services
equip healthcare professionals with accurate drug knowledge to support clinical decisions and
reduce the risk of medication errors. In hospitals—where therapies are often complex and patient
conditions critical—reliable drug information plays a crucial role in optimizing treatment
outcomes and promoting patient safety. DIS bridges the gap between pharmacological data and
clinical practice, enhancing the overall quality of patient care.
Definition
Drug Information Service refers to a specialized unit, typically led by trained pharmacists, that
collects, evaluates, interprets, and disseminates up-to-date, evidence-based drug-related
information. DIS supports healthcare providers by guiding the selection, dosing, and monitoring
of medications, helping to prevent adverse effects and drug-related complications. Additionally,
DIS educates patients about their medications, improving adherence and treatment success.
Drug Dosage and
Administration
Drug Interactions
Drug Stability and
and
Storage
Contraindications
Scope of
Drug
Information
Special
Populations
Service Adverse Drug
Reactions (ADRs)
Pharmacokinetics
and Therapeutic Drug
Pharmacodynamic Monitoring (TDM)
s
Sources of Drug Information
DIS relies on a range of reliable sources, categorized into:
Category Source Example
Primary Sources Original research articles, The New England Journal of
clinical trials, and peer- Medicine, Lancet.
reviewed studies.
Secondary Sources Databases summarizing or PubMed, Cochrane Library,
indexing primary research. Embassy.
Tertiary Sources Compiled drug references and British National Formulary
clinical tools. (BNF), Martindale: The
Complete Drug Reference,
AHFS Drug Information, and
Micromedex.
Responding
to Drug-
Related
Queries
Supporting
Training and
Clinical
Continuing
Decision-
Education
Making
Functions
of Drug
Information
Promotion of Service Patient
Medication
Education
Safety
Formulary Formulary
Management Management
and Policy and Policy
Development Development
Who Can Use Drug Information Services?
Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals
rely on DIS for safe and effective drug therapy guidance.
Patients: Can access information on medication use, side effect management, and
treatment understanding.
Hospital Administrators: Use DIS data for informed procurement, budgeting, and
formulary decisions.
Importance of Drug Information Service in Hospital Pharmacy
Drug Information Services (DIS) are vital components of hospital pharmacy practice, directly
contributing to the quality, safety, and efficiency of patient care. In the ever-evolving medical
landscape, where new medications, treatment protocols, and drug-related challenges constantly
emerge, DIS provides essential support for clinical decision-making.
1. Reducing Drug-Related Problems
Drug Information Services help in identifying, preventing, and resolving drug-related
problems such as adverse drug reactions (ADRs), drug interactions, incorrect dosing,
and inappropriate drug selection. By evaluating the patient’s medical profile and
current medications, DIS can reduce potential harm and improve patient care.
2. Providing Accurate Information Services to Various Healthcare Professionals
DIS acts as a central resource for updated, evidence-based, and unbiased drug
information. It supports doctors, nurses, and pharmacists by answering complex
clinical queries related to drug therapy, interactions, and indications, enabling them to
make better-informed decisions.
3. Increased Productivity for Pharmacists and Prescribers
With easy access to reliable drug information, pharmacists and prescribers spend less
time resolving uncertainties or making calls to clarify prescriptions. This streamlines
workflow, saves time, and improves efficiency in the hospital setting.
4. Improving Patient Compliance and Patient Safety
When patients receive proper counseling and easy-to-understand information about
their medications—like how and when to take them, and what side effects to expect—
they are more likely to follow treatment correctly. This compliance reduces treatment
failure and hospital readmissions.
5. Minimizing Drug-Related Issues to the Patients
DIS proactively identifies risks in drug therapy such as allergic reactions, incorrect
combinations, or duplications. It helps reduce the incidence of medication errors and
ensures the patient receives safe and effective treatment.
6. Improving Medication Adherence
Through proper education and support, DIS encourages patients to follow their
prescribed therapy correctly. This reduces the risk of complications and enhances
therapeutic outcomes, especially in chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes,
hypertension).
7. Improving the Distribution of Drugs Without Any Problems
DIS helps streamline the inventory and distribution process by guiding pharmacists
on the best practices for drug storage, labeling, and dispensing. It ensures that the
right drug reaches the right patient at the right time, reducing confusion and errors.
8. Reduced Medication Abuse and Improved Drug Cost Management
By offering guidelines on appropriate prescribing and use, DIS helps curb drug
misuse, especially with opioids, antibiotics, or psychotropics. It also supports cost-
effective prescribing by recommending affordable alternatives without compromising
efficacy.
9. Increased Patient and Provider Satisfaction
When clinicians feel supported with reliable drug information and patients feel
informed and safe, satisfaction increases across the board. This fosters trust in the
healthcare system and strengthens the pharmacist-patient-doctor relationship.
10. To Provide Accurate and Timely Responses to Medical Professionals
DIS is designed to provide quick, reliable, and up-to-date information on drug-related
queries. This rapid support is especially critical in emergency or high-pressure
clinical situations where timing can affect patient outcomes.
11. Inform the Community About Benefits of Drug Centers
DIS also plays a public education role by raising awareness about the value of
rational drug use, proper storage, and the dangers of self-medication. Community
outreach increases trust and improves public health outcomes.
12. Provide the Evidence-Based Use of Medications That Reduce Drug Problems
Drug decisions should be based on sound clinical evidence. DIS ensures that
healthcare professionals are guided by current clinical trials, guidelines, and peer-
reviewed data, reducing the likelihood of drug misuse or outdated practices.
13. Improve the Drug’s Safety and Efficacy in Practice
Monitoring the real-world performance of medications allows DIS to refine and
update usage guidelines. Pharmacovigilance data collected through DIS helps
improve drug safety and adjusts practices to suit patient needs better.
14. Developing the Research in Drug Information and Medication Safety in Hospitals
DIS contributes to clinical research by collecting data on drug usage patterns, errors,
outcomes, and interactions. This research informs hospital policies and contributes to
the global body of pharmaceutical knowledge.
15. Educate Pharmacy Students and Medical Community in Drug Information Practice
Hospital-based DIS centers serve as training grounds for pharmacy and medical
students. They learn how to interpret, analyze, and communicate drug information
effectively, shaping the next generation of safe, evidence-based healthcare providers.
Challenges Faced by Drug Information Services
Despite their critical role, DIS encounter several challenges:
Resource Limitations:
Many DIS operate with constrained budgets and staffing, impacting their ability to
deliver comprehensive services.
Keeping Pace with Rapid Medical Advancements:
The continuous emergence of new drugs and therapies necessitates ongoing education
and resource updates, posing a challenge for DIS to remain current.
Integration with Healthcare Teams:
Ensuring effective communication and collaboration with other healthcare professionals
is vital for DIS to function optimally but can be challenging in busy hospital settings.
Future Prospects and Recommendations
To enhance the effectiveness of DIS in hospital pharmacies, the following strategies are
recommended:
Investment in Technology:
Implementing advanced information systems can streamline data management and
improve the accessibility of drug information.
Continuous Professional Development:
Regular training programs for DIS staff can ensure they remain knowledgeable about the
latest developments in pharmacotherapy.
Strengthening Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
Fostering stronger relationships between DIS and other healthcare departments can
facilitate better integration and utilization of drug information services.
References
1. McEvoy, G. K. (Ed.). (2023). AHFS Drug Information. American Society of Health-
System Pharmacists.
2. Sweetman, S. (Ed.). (2023). Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference (40th ed.).
Pharmaceutical Press.
3. British National Formulary (BNF). (2023). Joint Formulary Committee. London: BMJ
Group and Pharmaceutical Press.
4. Lexicomp. (2023). Drug Information Handbook. Wolters Kluwer Health.
5. Micromedex Solutions. (2023). Truven Health Analytics.
6. PubMed. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7. ASHP Guidelines on the Pharmacist’s Role in Providing Drug Information, 2002.
8. The Cochrane Library. https://www.cochranelibrary.com
