Hiring drug information personnel
Hatfield, S.M.; Ifshin, S.L.; Abramowitz, P.W.
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy 39(2): 288-291
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9289 PMID: 7058799 Document Number: 190845
An analysis of the functions performed at a drug information center (DIC) is described as the basis for hiring personnel. A functional job analysis demonstrated a division in the duties of DIC personnel. The workload demanded a drug literature specialist (DLS) to access, store, and retrieve drug information, and a practitioner in drug information (PDI) to analyze this information and make the appropriate clinical judgements. The DIC hired a DLS with a background in library science and experience with computer searching techniques to work with the PDI. It is suggested that the combination of a qualified librarian and a drug information pharmacist can provide the DIC with the optimal personnel. The analysis was a valuable tool in selecting personnel who possess the appropriate skills, job understanding, attitude, and innovative abilities.