Evaluation of satisfaction and internet self-efficacy of inquirers using an internet-based drug information centre

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the satisfaction level of inquirers of an internet-based drug information centre along with the internet usage abilities and habits of individuals who had previously utilised services from an internet-based drug information centre in Turkey.

Methods: The first 100 individuals who received medication consultancy from the webpage entitled “www.ilacpedia.com” and consented to participate in the study were included in this study. This website is an internet-based drug information centre. Participants' data were collected using a participant data form and the Internet Self-efficacy Scale.

Results: The mean age of participants was 37.92 ± 12.32 years (71 female). It was found that 89% of the individuals who received pharmaceutical consultation from the internet-based drug information service believed that the information that they received was enough to solve their problem. The internet self-efficacy scale scores indicated the highest score on the decomposition subscale (20.94 ± 6.18) and the lowest on the communication subscale (9.77 ± 3.57).

Conclusions: The present study revealed that the internet-based drug information service provided by clinical pharmacists contributed positively to users' satisfaction, thus indicating the importance of the involvement of clinical pharmacists in this process.