ABSTRACT
A systematic approach to answering drug information questions is essential and has been well described.1,2 e pharmacist should become familiar with this approach before answering patient-specic questions because a seemingly straightforward question can actually mean something quite dierent from what it initially seems to mean. e rst two steps in the process are outlined next (modied from Kirkwood and Kier2):
secure demographics of requestor:•
name,•
telephone or pager number,•
institution or practice site if a healthcare professional, and•
title, profession or occupation, and rank;•
obtain background information:•
What resources has the requestor already consulted?•
Is the request patient specic or academic?•
What are the patient’s diagnosis, other medications, and pertinent medical • information?
