Use of Drugline—A Question-and-Answer Database

Abstract

BACKGROUND: DRUGLINE is a full-text, question-and-answer database offering drug information that has been evaluated as a result of consultations in a drug information center. A problem-oriented database such as DRUGLINE can be an efficient way to meet the increasing need among healthcare professionals for timely and accurate drug information. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how DRUGLINE was used during the years 1988 and 1990 and to identify any changes in needs, expectations, satisfaction, and use that occurred during those two years. DESIGN: This study investigated the use of DRUGLINE during two separate years. Questionnaires relating to DRUGLINE use during 1988 and 1990 were sent on two occasions to all users having access to the database. The anonymous questionnaires contained 17 and 18 questions, respectively. SETTING: The setting included MEDLINE/DRUGLINE use in healthcare institutions, pharmacies, medical libraries, and the pharmaceutical industry. PARTICIPANTS: The questionnaires were sent to all customers of the database host Medical Information Centre at the Karolinska Institute Library and Information Centre having access to DRUGLINE during 1988 and 1990. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The responses were organized into those from users and nonusers within the following professions: Physicians, pharmacists, librarians, and others. RESULTS: The response rates were 87 percent in 1989 and 89 percent in 1991. The professional distribution among the respondents in 1991 was physicians, 36 percent; pharmacists, 20 percent; medical librarians, 21 percent; and others, 23 percent. One-third of the respondents had searched DRUGLINE during 1988 and 1990. The number of users increased by 25 percent between 1988 and 1990; however, the percentage of users versus nonusers did not change. Pharmacists comprised the largest user group and experienced the greatest increase in users. Most users were satisfied with the result of their searches, usually because they were guided to solve a specific drug problem at a reasonable cost. CONCLUSIONS: A full-text, question-and-answer drug information database has great potential to help problem-solving in medical care. The technical versatility of the information system and its factual contents need to be continuously assured. Health professionals have to identify their information needs and develop efficient procedures to meet these needs.