Drug Information | Singapore General Hospital

Application Timeline

For overseas applicants:

A full set of required documents to be submitted at least 4 months before the attachment start date.

For local applicants:

A full set of required documents to be submitted at least 3 months before the attachment start date.

Duration

At least 2 weeks

Criteria

Only for organisation sponsored practising / registered Senior Pharmacists

Note: Each request is subject to Department's review and approval

Objective*

At the end of the attachment at the Drug Information Center, the participant would be an effective provider of drug information.

Upon completion of the attachment, participant(s) should be able to:

1. Understand and apply a systematic approach to drug information requests

Identify drug information needs in different settings
Respond to drug information requests in an efficient and timely manner
Obtain relevant and accurate background information on the question from the inquirer
Classify the drug information request
Systematically and efficiently identify appropriate drug information sources, including selecting appropriate primary, secondary and tertiary reference sources
Retrieve and critically analyse the information found
Formulate a concise and evidence-based response, aiming to optimise patient care and clinical outcomes
Using clear and accurate bibliographic writing style, electronically document all appropriate information arising from drug information requests

2. Develop critical appraisal skills and describe application in clinical practice

3. Effectively communicate drug information to other health professionals and/or patients verbally and in writing, and assure patient privacy and confidentiality in all drug information activities

4. Practice clinical pharmacy in a reliable, independent, organized and self-directed manner on a daily basis.

5. Demonstrate professional attitudes, appropriate human relation skills, positive work ethic and initiative and maintain ethical standards and patient confidentiality in caring for the patients.

Note: *Attachment objectives would be tailored to individual participant(s) in accordance to the needs, desires and clinical abilities. Please share specific areas/ objectives that would like to focus on during the attachment to design to meet the individual’s specific needs when contacting PGAHI.

Outline*

Principles of Evidence Based Medicine
Review of key drug information resources for effective strategy
Systematic approach to a drug information request (7 steps)
Clinical skills in handling enquiries on:
- Drug availability
- Drug identification (including foreign medicines)
- Parenteral drug administration
- Parenteral drug administration compatibilities & admixtures
- Drug use and safety in pregnancy and lactation
- Drug interactions
- Adverse drug reactions and safety issues
- Drug dosing and choice of therapy selection
- Drug dosing and selection in specialized populations (pediatric, geriatric, renal/ hepatic impairment, obesity)
Critical appraisal and evidence review of literature (e.g. journal club presentation)

Note: *Attachment activities would be tailored to individual participant(s) in accordance to the needs, desires and clinical abilities. Please share specific areas/ objectives that would like to focus on during the attachment to design to meet the individual’s specific needs when contacting PGAHI.