E-DRUG: the Global Village and essential drugs (3)
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Dear Wilbert:
I agree with Andy Gilbert about point number 1 re drugs being different
from other products. I think that the second point about information flow
is very important, especially now with the unregulated nature of the
internet, it is almost impossible to control the flow of information about
products. Not only is control impossible, but it is very difficult to
verify the accuracy of the information that goes out over the internet as
you point out.
The point about only using evidence based information is correct, but
leaves aside a couple of key issues:
1) how to generate this kind of information in a timely manner about the
wide range of drugs that are currently available, especially comparative
information;
2) good quality scientific information is a necessary, but not sufficient,
step in promoting rational drug use. How do we help prescribers to use the
information that is available;
3) beyond good quality information, there are many other factors that
influence appropriate prescribing and rational use of drugs, e.g., cultural
beliefs, the way in which doctors (and others) are paid, etc. How can all
of these be incorporated into rational drug use policies.
As far as computer assisted prescribing goes you should have a look at an
excellent article in the 1 April issue of JAMA entitled "Computerized
Prescribing" by Schiff and Rucker.
Joel
Joel Lexchin MD
121 Walmer Rd.
Toronto, Ontario
CANADA M5R 2X8
Phone: (416)-964-7186
Fax: (416)-923-9515
e mail: joel.lexchin@utoronto.ca
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