ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the development of the British National Formulary (BNF) as an electronic drug information data base and the significance of this to the broader field of decision support. The BNF of today aims to be an up-to-date pocket book for rapid reference by practising doctors and pharmacists, and to encourage safe, rational and cost-effective prescribing. The BNF is published jointly by the British Medical Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Phase I version of the electronic BNF should already be a valuable support for the prescriber. The major application of the phase II electronic BNF is as a tool for prescribing support. Another application of the phase II electronic BNF should be to provide simple links for general practice formularies. The electronic BNF will be able to act as a knowledge base for prescribing and decision support.
