How Do Pharmacists Access Information About Medicines When Providing Patient Care – A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Electronic resources are used to assist in decision-making, and the choice of which resource to use is influenced by personal preferences. The purpose of this study is to discover how pharmacists use electronic resources, what features they prefer, and whether they like resources with mobile-friendly screens. Methods: This study was conducted at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, a cross-sectional online survey was created that consisted of 10 questions, and pharmacists were recruited from various specialties. Results: 57 pharmacists answered the survey, and the results show that in wards, 84% of respondents use a desktop computer while 74% prefer to use their mobile phones. It was also discovered that 52% of pharmacists who use their mobile phones to access e-resources prefer a mobile-friendly screen. Conclusion: The results of this study point to the need for mobile apps and mobile-friendly displays in electronic resources, since they make it simple and quick for users to access information. The necessity of providing training on electronic resources must be emphasized. At various levels, it should be encouraged to train pharmacists in medicines information, literature search techniques, and up-to-date electronic resources. (250