Intelligence Audit applied to a Medication Information Service: focusing on users' informational behavior

Objective. This research aimed to analyze information seeking and usage behavior on behalf of hospital health professionals, given the importance of offering services that support specific practices of medication use in this environment. Method. The research is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach, part of the evaluation of a medication information service in a Brazilian academic hospital. The evaluation was guided by the application of an intelligence audit method associated with information seeking model regarding these professionals, considering the relationship between the audited service and the users. Data was collected through the application of an electronic questionnaire designed with emphasis on the factors that shape the need, search, and use of information by health professionals (nurses, pharmacists, and doctors), in addition to assessing their perception of the information service on medications present in the institution. 119 health professionals participated in the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results. The profile identified was predominantly technical professionals with higher education (68.1%), who have worked at the institution for <= 5 years (73%) and dedicate >= 60% of their time to care activities. The degree of risk involved was highlighted as an extremely influential factor in situations where the need for information about medicines arises (63.9%). The characteristics of the sources considered most influential were reliability (94%) and updating (87.4%). In the search for information, the electronic source was most used (89.1%), with scientific databases in the medical field considered very useful. The majority of respondents (57.1%) indicated that they were not familiar with the service, but stated that they were interested. Among those who already knew, 52.9% were very satisfied with the service provided. The wide dissemination of services was the measure most indicated by participants (84.9%). Conclusions. Based on this study, it was possible to draw a profile of health professionals and their behavior in seeking and using information about medicines. We can highlight the greater use of digital information sources, such as scientific databases in the health sector, considered the most useful. The specific characteristics of these sources suggest that health professionals need reliable and up-to-date information, obtained quickly and efficiently for their work actions and decisions. The evaluation also made it possible to guide the improvement of the services offered.