Perception of drug risk in the database of Drug Information Centre in Bratislava

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the presented study was to analyse the types and quantity of inquiries received at Drug Information Centre in Bratislava during the period from May 1997 to May 2006. The study analyses also the profile of the users of the latter centre with focus on the perception of drug risk, adverse drug reactions, and drug interactions. BACKGROUND: The Drug Information Centre (Druginfo) was established in Slovak Republic as part of the Department of Pharmacology in May 1997. In 2002 Druginfo became a member of International Register of Drug Information Services of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia. Druginfo provides voluntary free of charge drug information for healthcare professionals. METHODS: Statistical processing of all inquiries received at Druginfo during a 10-year period focused on the aspect of drug risk perception. RESULTS: 867 inquiries were received in total. The most frequent inquiries came from hospital teaching clinics in Bratislava. Questions concerning pregnancy/lactation (25 %), adverse drug reactions (16 %), basic information about drugs (14 %) and interactions (13 %) were asked most frequently. CONCLUSION: The types of inquiries and inquirers using the service are generally similar to those recorded at many others Druginfos within Europe and USA. The number of questions is lower than in other centres. Druginfo in Bratislava has a very important role in providing independent drug information. Language: en