Abstract

Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the drug information queries received by the drug information center of Gondar University Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia. Method: A retrospective review of drug information queries received by the drug information center (DIC) from November 2014 to October 2015 was done. Sociodemographic details, mode of receiving and replying drug information query, types of query, and references used for providing drug information, etc. were retrieved. The obtained data were analyzed by using Microsoft Excel for Windows 8.1. Descriptive analysis was done for ease reporting using frequency and percentages, and the results were presented in tables. Findings: During the study period, a total of 111 drug information queries were received, majority were through telephonic communication (47.7%), followed by direct walk-in to DIC (28.8%), and written format (11.7%). Nearly 40% of the queries were from general practitioners (38.7%), and 22.5% from nurses. Conclusion: To make the services more effective, drug information center should be evaluated based on feedback of the enquirers and assessment should be done for economic and clinical outcome of the services provided. Further, there is a need to publicize the importance of drug information services among health care professionals and to the society for promoting the rational use of medicine.

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