AHFS Drug Information Resources Available Free For Haitian Relief Efforts

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Also Included In: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 03 Feb 2010 - 11:00 PDT

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Drug information published by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is now available for use by health professionals in Haiti at no charge, as part of an arrangement with the National Library of Medicine. The Society's AHFS Drug Information is included in medical reference materials available for free through the NLM's Emergency Access Initiative (EAI). The EAI will be active until February 19.

"Drug information is a critical element in providing safe and effective health care in all circumstances, including disaster relief efforts," said ASHP President Lynnae M. Mahaney, M.B.A., FASHP. "We are pleased to make these important resources available for emergency relief efforts in Haiti." The EAI will include access to AHFS Drug Information, AHFSDI Essentials, and the Handbook on Injectable Drugs.

AHFS Drug Information has remained the leading source of unbiased and authoritative drug information for more than 50 years. AHFS is available in several formats, including an online version and one formatted specifically for use with PDAs. This highly-respected reference is the only printed compendium published by a not-for-profit professional association that is designated by the U.S. Congress as a source for reimbursement for off-label uses. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and numerous health insurance providers have also recognized the authority of the reference as a source of information on the medically accepted uses of drugs. Both the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine have listed AHFS DI as a recommended item for inclusion in reference libraries.

Drug monographs in AHFS DI are thoroughly researched by a staff of drug information pharmacists and other professional editorial and analytical staff. Authors incorporate clinical research findings, therapeutic guidelines, and Food and Drug Administration-approved labeling to draft monographs. A typical monograph includes information from several hundred references. The accuracy of the drug information is also enhanced by the expert advice of a panel of more than 500 reviewers, including leading medical scientists, physicians, pharmacists, pharmacologists, and other clinicians.

Related links:

Emergency Access Initiative
AHFS Drug Information

Source
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

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