Abstract

MEDICINE INFORMATION SERVICES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ASSESSMENT OF STRUCTURE, PROCESSES AND OUTCOMES IN TERTIARY HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN JOS METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Shalkur David*, Queenamina Enebi Salihu, Nenman Musa Lenka, Dorothy Sunday Biggs and Lungcit Shalkur David

ABSTRACT

Background: Medicine Information Services are vital for improving patient outcomes and reducing adverse drug reactions. Regular assessments are essential for improving their quality and performance. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the structure, processes, and outcomes of medicine information service centres in tertiary healthcare facilities in Jos, North-Central Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study involved 310 clinicians from three hospitals: Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State Specialist Hospital, and Bingham University Teaching Hospital. Data were collected via a checklist from unit heads of the centres and a structured survey from clinicians regarding awareness, utilization, and satisfaction. Data was analysed descriptively, and the centres’ assessments were compared to the SHPA guidelines. Results: The centres were staffed by pharmacistswith master’s degrees in Clinical Pharmacy or Public Health but lacked dedicated applications and journal subscriptions. Although protocols for reporting adverse drug reactions existed, guidelines for handling requests and documentation were absent. Among clinicians, over half were aged 31 to 40, with a similar percentage identifying as female; 63.9% had less than eleven years of experience. Notably, 36.5% were unaware of the centres and primarily associated them with drug use reviews (47.7%). Less than 60% had accessed services, with two-thirds interacting one-on-one with pharmacists. While professionalism and accessibility were rated highly (averages of 4.04 and 3.96, respectively), satisfaction with the physical environment was lower (3.19). Additionally, 43.3% rated the services as extremely important. Conclusions: This study identified compliance with SHPA pharmacist qualifications but revealed significant deficiencies, such as a lack of collaboration and communication resources. Gaps in protocols and low clinician awareness hinder service effectiveness, despite high satisfaction with staff professionalism. Targeted initiatives are needed to enhance awareness and improve service delivery, ultimately benefiting patient care and clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Medicine information service, Medicine information infrastructure, Medicine information operation, Medicine information utilization, Nigeria.