Abstract:
The utility of the online computer services BRS Colleague and Dialog Medical Connection,
when used primarily as drug information sources by physicians, nurses, and pharmacists
and attitudes toward their use, are described. Study sites included office-based medical
practices, a university clinic family medicine group, and a university clinical pharmacy
department. Participants had access to either of the computer services during two
9½-month periods. All searches were automatically recorded and analyzed. A total of
1,112 search sessions were conducted (78% by pharmacists, 16% by nurses, 6% by physicians)
by 38 of 65 participants. Information which completely answered questions was found
for slightly less than one-third of searches. Errors occurred in about 81% of searches
which retrieved incomplete information. Lack of time was a major factor which limited
use of the services, and infrequent users felt that the services did not fit in well
with their daily work routine.
Key-Words
Online Systems - Physicians - Pharmacists - Nurses - Information Services
