• The learning objectives for this module are:

    • Differentiate between types of resources available to assist in answering medicines information enquiries.
    • Describe general electronic and hard copy resources available to assist in answering medicines information enquiries.
    • Explain the function and use of bibliographic databases, including Medline® and Embase®
    • Outline search strategies and functionalities in bibliographic databases.
    • Identify drug information databases to assist in answering medicines information enquiries.
    • Identify factors to consider in assessing the quality of internet resources available for accessing medicines information.
    • Outline other resources available to assist in answering medicines information enquiries.

    Accreditation number for this module: S2019/91

    This activity has been accredited for 1.5 hours of Group-1 CPD (or 1.5 CPD credits), suitable for inclusion in an individual pharmacist’s CPD plan.

     

    The program addresses pharmacist competency standards, including:

     

    Standard 5.3.1 Identify information needs and resource requirements

    Standard 5.3.2 Retrieve relevant information/evidence in a timely manner

    Standard 5.3.3 Apply research evidence into practice

    (National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia, 2016)

◄Bibliographic databasesInternet resources►

Drug information databases

  • Often described as point-of-care solutions or clinical decision support solutions, there are several database that provide a combination of drug and disease information databases through a single interface. Healthcare organisations usually subscribe to one or more of these products. It is important to know where the information is sourced. Most are referenced and reviewed regularly.

    Micromedex®

    Micromedex is an American integrated electronic suite of databases that, depending on the subscription, may include DRUGDEX, DISEASEDEX, POISINDEX, REPRORISK, Alternative Medicine, IV Compatibility and Martindale. The databases can be searched individually or all together.

    DRUGDEX is a collection of comprehensive drug monographs called ‘drug evaluations’. The evaluations include full text information on doses, unlicensed indications, adverse effects and drug interactions. They are structured similarly to a monograph in Martindale with references given at the end of each monograph.

    Alternative Medicine is a similar format to DRUGDEX for complementary medicines.

    Micromedex is focussed on drug therapy and easy to use.  However it is an American product and information about indications and doses may not reflect Australian practice. Drug names and formulations may be different to what is used and available in Australia.

    UpToDate®

    UpToDate is an American online resource that provides evidence-based and peer-reviewed information about a wide range of medical conditions. It is popular amongst medical staff for the breadth and depth of content. Therapeutic recommendations may be different to Australian practice. It is useful for conditions not covered by the Therapeutic Guidelines. 

    Lexicomp Online

    Lexicomp is an American integrated electronic suite of databases that, depending on the subscription, may include Lexi-Drugs Multinational, Lexi-Interact, AHFS Drug Information, Briggs Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation, Facts & Comparisons, Martindale and Trissel’s IV Compatibility. Lexicomp drug information is included in UpToDate.

    DynaMed

    Dynamed is similar to UpToDate in that it provides information about a range of medical conditions. DynaMed is available for free through EBSCOhost to SHPA members.

    ◄Bibliographic databasesInternet resources►