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Abstract:

The publications of the Belgian Centre for Pharmacotherapeutic Information (BCPI) aim to provide actual pharmacotherapeutic information for doctors, dentists and pharmacists. An inquiry among a representative sample of readers was set up in order to reveal possibilities for optimisation of the tools used. The frequency of reading and consulting was satisfying, at least for the Folia Pharmacotherapeutica and for the National Formulary. Information cards of newly registered drugs were less frequently consulted. The website is only known by a minority. Readers do generally not have major objections as to the formal aspects of the publications by the BCPI. A few adaptations could be taken into consideration. The publications of the BCPI are considered as disseminating reliable information. This information is mainly used to recall or to enrich knowledge. Prescription or delivery behaviour is however not strongly influenced by the information provided. In the near future complementarity between electronic and written media will be considered. Using the sources of the BCPI in continuing education and medical decision making is another important item.