European survey of independent drug information centers

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of our survey was to ascertain the activities of the independent drug information centers (DICs) in Europe and to contact the person in charge of these services to establish a European network of DICs in the future.

Data sources: The survey was conducted in 32 European countries. We contacted 2026 people in DICs and official healthcare organizations by mail. On request, we returned our questionnaire including 167 closed questions on the means and activities of a DIC. Data were collected and analyzed on a personal computer using dBASE III PLUS (Ashton-Tate).

Results: Of the 110 questionnaires received, 88 answered the question pertaining to the number of queries asked of the DIC per year and were analyzed (1 from West Germany, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Portugal, Poland; 2 from Italy; 3 from Switzerland; 6 from Spain; 8 from The Netherlands; 16 from France; and 47 from the United Kingdom). We recorded data on their location, their means (e.g., staff, information), their users (e.g., health professionals), and activities.

Conclusions: The DICs were located in healthcare structures, managed by pharmacists or physicians, and open to other health professionals. Only the United Kingdom maintains a national organized network. Most of the participants showed interest in cooperating with each other to establish a list of the centers, guidelines on good information practices, a database, and a European network.