Effectiveness of drug information centers.

Drug information centers (DICs) have existed for more than 20 years in the U.S., with the number growing over this period to approximately 120 centers. Although future growth in the number of centers will be limited, the present activities will become more refined and productive. The present activities of drug information centers can be classified into three general areas: service, education, and research. The scope of the services provided often depends on location and affiliations. Likewise, these same factors may influence involvement in education and research activities. The effectiveness of centers is measured most often in terms of service productivity and perceived value by users. The methods and results of such evaluations are reviewed with discussion of the need to develop more definitive standards of practice.