Editor—Brassey et al in their paper describe the ATTRACT project in Wales, which received 193 queries from general practitioners in a period of 13 months.1 Many of these entailed therapeutics. But we regret Brassey et al's apparent lack of awareness of the United Kingdom Medicines Information service.
Medicines Information, formerly Drug Information, began in 1966. Most general hospitals in the United Kingdom have a centre, receiving enquiries from healthcare professionals in both primary and secondary care on all aspects of drug treatment. Centres are staffed by experienced pharmacists whose skills include linking information provision with clinical interpretation. These pharmacists use a variety of evidence based, critically assessed resources to provide the information needed to answer inquiries received. In 1997 these centres together answered more than 250 000 inquiries (some 1000 per local centre), all of which were concerned with drug treatment.2 The network of centres provides a locally based and responsive service, with coordination at a national level. The chief pharmacists of the four home countries have recently acknowledged the expertise, impartiality, responsiveness, and efficiency of medicines information pharmacists through a national strategy which they have commended to healthcare providers.3
The coordination of medicines information services throughout the United Kingdom has facilitated many developments. We have established centres of national expertise with specialist knowledge in specific areas of therapeutics such as the use of drugs in pregnancy and complementary medicine. Nationally we conduct detailed reviews of drugs both before and after they are launched. We are also developing a comprehensive website.
There are nationally accepted standards for the provision of medicines information services, and individual centres are regularly audited externally against these.4 Those who use an information service and those who fund it need to be assured of its quality. Medicines information services can provide this assurance.
Our history has been one of collaboration and networking at all levels: Medicines Information works closely with the National Prescribing Centre, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, and NHS Direct. Locally, we work with healthcare professionals from both primary and secondary care. Many interface prescribing committees, health authorities, primary care trusts, local health groups, and NHS librarians also benefit from a close liaison with their local medicines information pharmacist. Collaboration reduces duplication of effort and consequently makes more effective use of limited resources.
We would welcome the opportunity to share our experience with ATTRACT, and hope that this will foster a spirit of collaboration.
References
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