The utilization of poisons information resources in Australasia

• We surveyed poisons information sources used by Australasian EDs.
• Electronic sources and protocols were the most frequently used.
• Poisons information centers were the least utilized resource.
• New Zealand and Australian assessment of electronic information products differ.
• Electronic resources were considered by ED staff to provide a range of benefits.

PurposeTo identify poisons information resources most commonly utilized by Australasian Emergency Department staff, and examine attitudes regarding the benefits and user experience of the electronic products used.MethodsA survey tool was mailed to six Emergency Departments each in New Zealand and Australia to be answered by medical and nursing staff.ResultsEighty six (71.7%) responses were received from the 120 survey forms sent: 70 (81%) responders were medical staff, the remainder nursing. Electronic resources were the most accessed poisons information resource in New Zealand; Australians preferring discussion with a colleague; Poisons Information Centers were the least utilized resource in both countries. With regard to electronic resources, further differences were recognized between countries in: ease of access, ease of use, quality of information and quantity of information, with New Zealand better in all four themes.ConclusionsNew Zealand ED staff favored electronic poisons information resources while Australians preferred discussion with a colleague. That Poisons Information Centers were the least utilized resource was surprising.