Preface

Ever since the publication of the first edition of this book in 1996, there has been increasing realization of the importance of drug information. Much of this can be related to Internet information sources, along with the ever-increasing ease by which material can be located and used. This increased emphasis on information has had an effect on both the health care professional, who uses the material, and the patient, who may look up material directly and even bring it in to talk about with a health care professional. The ability to obtain, manage, evaluate, and use information has become an important core skill for the professional.

This book was originally written to provide training in drug information management. It has been tested and refined continuously, based on experience in both practice and the classroom. In this fifth edition, the goal of this book continues to be to educate both students and practitioners on how to efficiently research, interpret, evaluate, collate, and disseminate information in the most usable form. While there is no one right method to perform these professional responsibilities, proven methods are presented and demonstrated. Also, seldom-addressed issues are covered, such as the legal and ethical considerations of providing information.

The fifth edition continues to expand, updating information from previous editions and going into new areas. This includes a new chapter on assessing drug promotions by pharmaceutical representatives and the need for counterdetailing. Another new chapter is on pharmacy informatics. It always seemed that there should be a connection between pharmacy informatics and drug information-after all, both make extensive use of computer systems to manage information. However, they often seem to be treated as separate subjects. This new chapter bridges that gap.

In addition, we continue to include features that will assist the reader in learning the material:

• A series of Key Concepts at the beginning of each chapter are then identified throughout the chapter using circled numbers placed within the text.

• The main areas outlined in the Learning Objectives have been highlighted throughout the chapter using vertical rules placed in the margins alongside the relevant passages of text.

• Most chapters have cases, where a situation that might be faced by a practitioner is described, with a series of discussion points presented.

• A series of multiple-choice questions are included and many chapters provide suggested readings for further information on topics.

As in previous editions, the book begins by introducing the concept of drug information, including its history, and providing information on various places in which drug information specialists may be employed. This is followed by information on how to answer a question, from the process of gathering necessary background information, through determining the actual information need, to answering the question. The chapter on drug information resources includes descriptions of the most commonly used references and contains information on apps available for practitioners. The drug literature evaluation chapters have been updated and expanded to cover newer concepts, such as adaptive clinical trials. Chapters from the previous edition have been updated. As always, numerous practical examples are provided through the chapters and in the appendices.

With the veritable Niagara Falls of drug, medical, and pharmacy information available, much of which is complex, health care professionals have an increasing need for information management skills. This book will assist health care professionals and students with improvement in drug information skills and will allow individuals to evolve into new roles for the advancement of the profession and patient care. The authors and editors of this book hope the readers enjoy their journey toward expertise in information management.