earticle

영어

Purpose: Drug can be hazardous for people if misused although they are useful for their indication. In urgent incidences such as overdose, proper treatment for intoxication can save patients’ lives. In emergent case regarding drug overdose, pharmacists should know how to provide correct information including antidote to other healthcare providers. However, in Korea, there is neither regular class nor education material regarding detoxification. Therefore, the object of our study is to investigate the perception of pharmacists about it. Method: We surveyed hospital pharmacists by means of self-reporting questionnaire in order to investigate the pharmacists’ perception of detoxification treatments from May 12th 2012 to August 10th 2012. The questionnaire comprised of demographic information, interest in detoxification treatment (inquiry from patients and education about antidote), knowledge of antidote, effective drug search route and perception of the need for education and stocking materials about antidotes). Results: It included total 281 hospital pharmacists from 30 hospitals in S. Korea. Of them, only 16.7% have been questioned about drug overdose from patient or representative and 35% have learned about antidotes in case of drug overdose through education program of Korean association of hospital pharmacist or university. About 98% thought that education and stocking materials about frequently overdosed drug and antidotes are helpful for patients in emergent case. Also, the percentage of correct answer of each questions about antidotes were higher in educated group (p≤0.001). The more work years are, the percentage of correct answer of each questions are higher (p≤0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, it will be helpful for reducing damage by drug overdose that pharmacists take regular education about antidote for all pharmacist and pharmacy student. In addition, preparing and keeping booklet for Korean Style-antidote in pharmacy is needed currently for protecting public health.