Drug information resources in a family medicine residency training program

This study was conducted to determine what types of drug information questions are asked in a family medicine residency training site, in which resources the answers are located, and to assess various characteristics of several drug information resources. Thirty-four of the 71 (47.2%) questionnaires distributed were returned and the data evaluated. An average of two to five questions concerning drugs arose in the daily practice of the respondents. The most commonly asked questions pertained to doses, most appropriate drug for a disease and adverse effects. The CPS, the most frequently used resource, rated highly as being available, and easy to use and understand; however, its informatin as not considered to be extensive. Reasons for not answering questions included lack of time and not knowing where to find the answer. Twenty physician-patient visits were observed during which 18 had at least one drug information question arise. Although the type of drug information sought was slightly different than that reported in the questionnaire the reasons for not answering questions were similar. The results of this study indicate that questions pertaining to drugs arise on a daily basis and currently the CPS is the most frequently used drug information source.