How to answer Drug Information Request?

How to answer Drug Information Request?

Here are the seven steps you can use in a systematic approach to answering a Drug Information Request if you use these steps you will provide the most evidence answer.

Step 1: Secure Demographics of Requestor

• Requestor demographics ( Name and profession, physician-pharmacist-nurse-patient). 
• Appropriate formulation and delivery method (DI Form & DI Answer Form. 
• Initial question (First question asked by the requestor). 

Step 2: Obtain Background Information

• Question type (Patient-specific or academic). 
• Patient background information ( Age-Height-Weight-history-current problem-medication-allergies-laboratory information). 

Step 3: Determine and Categorize the Ultimate Question

• Convert initial question + background information to the Ultimate Question. 
• Categorize the ultimate question ( Select the suitable question category from the question categories). 
• Develop a timeline for the response ( Locate the references that contain question category (drug oriented-disease oriented). 

Step 4: Develop Strategy and Conduct Search

• Develop a search strategy and select the recourses (Exact resource name). 
• Conduct a systematic search ( Further search in 2ndry & primary resources). 

Step 5: Perform Evaluation, Analysis, and Synthesis

• Confirm with other references ( At least two resources confirmation) 
• Check for the final answer, with professional judgment ( Perform evaluation and double check of the final answer) 
• Check for all medication doses and interactions before answer the question. 

Step 6: Formulate and Provide Response

Drug information answer form must contain:

1. Ultimate question. 
2. The answer. 
3. Recommendation. 
4. References. 
5. Pharmacist signature. 

Step 7: Conduct Follow-Up and Documentation

• Follow your answer ( Ask the requestor if it was helpful and what is the action taken). 
• Save all data ( Store a copy of every DI request in a file and on PC).