Consumer preference for personal drug information source: relationship to perceived importance of drug class.

The purposes of this study were to: (1) determine consumer preferences for personal drug information sources, and (2) determine if preference for information source is affected by perceived drug importance. A telephone survey of 204 metropolitan subjects was conducted using a systematic sampling design. Pharmacists and physicians were preferred over lay sources for all drug categories. Pharmacists and physicians were preferred equally for drugs perceived of low to moderate importance, but not for drugs perceived of highest importance. Perceived drug importance, which has not been examined previously, appears to be an important factor in consumers' preference for personal drug information sources.

Computerized test grading and analysis--it can improve clinical instruction.

Many health profession educators do not use computerized test grading and analysis to help them improve their courses and testing nor to assess objectively student performance and competency. The main thrust of this article is the listing of advantages and disadvantages involved in incorporating computerized test grading and analysis in the hope that more instructors will realize and pursue this as an additional effective means of accomplishing course goals and instructional objectives.