A drug information system. The patients' responses

Abstract

This article has described the practical aspects of establishing a written drug information system for the doctor and the patient. In addition, a patient questionnaire analysis has shown that patients accept the system, appreciate the material in the leaflet and are willing to receive drug information sheets. The advantages for the practitioner are that in compiling information on drugs the doctor is able to review his or her knowledge of prescriber pharmacology; the information acts as an accessible desk top reference; the information contained for both doctor and patient can be readily revised; the doctor can gain satisfaction by providing a thorough patient service. For the patient the advantages are many. These include: improved patient education; increased compliance; user safety arising from awareness of side effects and interactions; correct use of the drug by those who forget verbal messages quickly (for example, the elderly); thorough knowledge of how and when to dispose of drugs; and increased patient satisfaction with treatment. Such advantages and patient acceptance highlight this system's role as an important tool in the management of patients in general practice.