Analysis of the Use of PharmacotherapeuticInformation Sources by General Practitioners in the Czech Republic

Overview

The objective of the study was to investigate and describe the availability, use and preferenceof sources of pharmacotherapeutic information by general practitioners. The investigation wasmade by means of questionnaires which were sent to all GP’s for adults. The return rate was16.2%, i.e. during evaluation 770 questionnaires were available. The authors assessed theavailability of information of drugs used commonly in practice, on drugs recently introducedinto practice and on aspects of pharmacotherapy, the frequency of information sought and thepreference in the selection of different sources of information.The most readily available sources of information are materials of pharmaceutical firms. Theiruse was important in particular for those seeking information on drugs recently introduced intopractice. The second place was held by professional journals or books and the third place bycourses or lectures. As regards economics of pharmacotherapy, lists of the insurance companyare used most frequently, consultations with the pharmacist and material published by thecompanies. 63% respondents know that specialized information centres exist but only 39% usedthem ever in their practice.GPs prefer brief information and reviews on the properties of drugs or therapeutic groups. Thegreatest impediment in seeking information on drugs is according to the respondents (74%) lackof time. The high ratio of GP’s decisions on the selection of pharmacotherapy is influenced bymaterials of pharmaceutic companies.

Key words:
pharmacotherapy - general practitioner - information.