Drug Information—The Systematic Approach: Continuing Education Article. (April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nathan, Joseph P.
• Other Names: Nathan Joseph P. guest-editor.; Gershman Jennifer guest-editor.; Clauson Kevin guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of pharmacy practice. Volume 26:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 78
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 2013-04
• Subjects: pharmacist -- drug information -- systematic approach -- question -- response -- search; Pharmacy -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1177/0897190012474229
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0897-1900

Abstract

Proper drug information (DI) skills are essential for being a competent pharmacy practitioner. To effectively manage DI queries and clinical dilemmas, the practitioner should follow a systematic approach that includes identifying the requester, determining the "true" DI need and obtaining background information, categorizing the question, performing the search and analyzing the information, disseminating the information, and following up when appropriate. The practitioner must be mindful to couple the published literature with clinical experience, knowledge, and logic in order to achieve optimal clinical outcomes.