title: Researching drug information needs in Australia.
abstract: National research about drug information needs and access strategies from a cross-section of professionals and community respondents was undertaken in conjunction with the development of the Australian Drug Information Network (ADIN). Many professionals who have an active concern about drug and alcohol issues experience frustration with their access to high quality and relevant drug information. Although the Internet is widely perceived to be the answer to disseminating information, it remains the least favoured source of drug information among professionals, especially in regional and remote locations. Limited access to technology and doubts about the quality of web-based information were expressed concerns. Community differences about where and how to access information were also apparent, with the Internet being a more feasible resource for metropolitan and younger respondents.
authors.affiliation: Australian Drug Foundation, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lindsay
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Midford
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cooper
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004346:Drug Information Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*