Information Seeking Behaviour Of Clinicians In a Semi Urban Town In Southern India

Background: Newer drugs are entering market at a faster rate and information on medicines is expanding at a tremendous pace, making it difficult for clinicians to keep abreast. Drug Information Centers across world help clinicians in their information needs. Kasturba Hospital Drug Information center would like to extend its services to community based clinicians. Better understanding of clinicians’ needs and preferences on drug information can help to serve them better. Objectives:To study information-seeking behaviour of community based clinicians, specifically on drug information and their other related needs to improve quality of care for patients. Methodology:An 11-item survey questionnaire was designed, based on kirkelas model of information seeking behaviour. The survey questionnaire was distributed personally and filled questionnaire were collected. Results: Fifty Seven filled questionnaires were collected back out of 60 questionnaires distributed. Only 18% of clinicians were found to use the services of Drug Information Centers. Clinicians use textbooks and drug indexes as their main references. Journals and Internet is not widely utilized. Majority of clinicians felt that information provided by pharmaceutical companies is biased and inadequate. Almost all clinicians felt that there is need for drug information service. Conclusion:This study throws light on information needs and related issues of community-based clinicians in a semi urban town. This study highlights the need for independent unbiased source of drug information for clinicians practicing in communities.