[indices] Where to 2006? [6]

["Kae Trouilloud" <kae.trouilloud@mercyships.org>]

Dear Indices,

I remember really using INDICES about 5-6 years ago very often, when
databases like Micromedex was unaffordable for developing countries (and it
still is for many), when internet was very slow but emails relatively
accesible. I did and still do appreciate INDICES for its global network and
resources, for example asking a question from Malaysia about a drug from
South Africa and someone from South Africa would be able to respond with
local knowledge and rapidly through email. I think INDICES is still valuable for this and should be a network maintained for this reason. 

There are parallel network groups like E-DRUG or AFRO-NET, but they are quite topic based discussions and more based on policies and current issues, and I wonder if that would be a duplication if INDICES moves there. However I do agree that INDICES should discuss drug information related standards and policies, lists of books/references, dependable websites, search engines, training materials etc. I agree and would look forward to that and am willing to share materials I have, and I am sure my former colleagues in Malaysia would too. 

I started the HUKM drug information centre in 1998 and it has been active ever since, based in a teaching hospital <outbind://37/www.hukm.ukm.my> www.hukm.ukm.my and linked with a university
(so we train medical and pharmacy students as well about drug information).

I think INDICES should also be readily available for one off enquiries where local knowledge is important, like finding out equivalent practice in
another country, drug trade names and availability, local experiences etc.
We know not all web-based information is of good quality and it takes time
going through links that we get from Google, whereas with INDICES we have
the expectation of good quality feedback from health professionals, from
drug information centres and related training. 

I am now with an NGO working more with essential drugs and policies, but
through the countries we work in I think INDICES is as valuable as ever, as
a source of dependable drug information and for its global network. Email is more and more accesible but internet connections are still slow, and INDICESwould be a precious resource. Perhaps it should be marketed to more
developing nations. 

Blessings,

Kae 

Kae Ting Trouilloud

Director of Pharmacy

Mercy Ships International 

M/V Anastasis, currently docked in Monrovia, Liberia