THE FUTURE OF MEDICATION INFORMATION PRACTICE - A CONSENSUS

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the current practice of drug information and dev elop a strategic plan for a ''valued'' specialty of medication informa tion practice. DATA SOURCES: The Consortium for the Advancement of Med ication Information, Policy, and Research (CAMIPR) met in June 1994 to initiate a strategic plan for a future of medication information prac tice, A multidimensional situation analysis and strategic planning pro cess uas conducted and the results are discussed, RECOMMENDATIONS: Tre nds in health care (e.g., healthcare reform, managed care) will impact the future of medication information practice, rind the medication in formation specialist must evolve with society's values. Medication inf ormation practice must transform and attention will likely focus on me dication policy research/development and information systems. However, new skills, resources, and relationships must be developed to facilit ate this evolution. In addition, interest in the practice of drug info rmation has declined. Strategies are presented to enhance the ''value' ' and ''image'' of future medication information practice.