Zeitschrift für fortgeschrittene Praktiken in der Krankenpflege

A Survey of Preference and Utilization of Drug Information Resources by Pharmacy Students

Abstract

Hailemeskel B, Drame I, Pansiri P, Choi M

Having adequate drug information search skills is crucial in order for today’s pharmacists to optimize pharmaceutical care. Howard University College of Pharmacy seeks to better prepare students for this skill by offering a core course entitled, “Drug Informatics”. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the drug information search skills and preferences of the students using a questionnaire. A survey was designed with 18 questions and given to a sample of 65 pharmacy students in their 4th professional year. Data was analyzed by using frequency and Chi square (SPSS) to determine the relationship between students’ demographic and their drug information searching skill or preferences. Survey participation was 48% (31 of 65) with 42% male and 58% female. The most frequently used resources were online databases. Participants who were young or with BA/BS degrees appeared to search more frequently. Most drug information questions received were related to adverse drug events and drug identification. Most participants were confident in their retrieved information and searching skills. The results of this survey will help to improve the design of current drug information coursework.