Implementation of Drug Information Services in a Tertiary Care Hospital: Patients' and Physicians' Perception

Background: This study aimed to establish and promote drug information services for healthcare professionals and patients in a tertiary care hospital, and to assess the level of awareness and utilization of the center. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from November 2021 to May 2022. A pilot study was conducted using a validated questionnaire to assess the level of awareness of drug information services among 200 healthcare professionals and patients. The second part of the study involved the collection of medication-related queries from patients and healthcare professionals through a drug information request and documentation form. The data collected over six months included the professional status and specialty of the enquirer, the mode of receipt of the query, the purpose of the enquiry, the time frame to reply, and the queries received based on gender. Results: The questionnaire revealed that among healthcare professionals, most of the queries received were from Duty medical officers (31.6%), and the majority of respondents (86%) felt that a drug information center was necessary. Among patients, the majority (71%) were unaware of the drug information center, but a large number (94%) felt that establishing such a center would be useful. A total of 383 queries were analyzed, with most received in April (46.99%) and from the gastroenterology department (20.62%). The majority of queries were received during ward rounds (46.2%) and for updating knowledge (61.1%). Frequently asked questions were related to medication information (26.74%) and were obtained from patients (23.8%). Most answers were provided through WhatsApp (64.22%) and were replied to within a day (48.6%). In the feedback process, 88% of healthcare professionals felt that the response was appropriate, while 12% did not feel the same. Among patients, 92% felt that the response was appropriate, while 8% did not. Conclusion: The establishment of drug information services led to an increase in awareness and utilization of the center for unbiased drug information. The center provided a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and patients in AIG Hospital, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.