MODIFIED SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO ANSWERING QUESTIONS

Introduction
Getting the required information is very important, especially for a limited
period of time. The health of a patient relies significantly from the gathered data in
the formulation of a solution or in decision making. One needs to consider the
relevance of the question as well as the different important things to consider in
accordance with the situation of the patient.
With all this, they came up with an approach. The systematic approach
principles have been utilized in assuring quality for drug information responses,
training in drug information skills, as well as in developing and enhancing programs.
The idea of having such approach was formulated in 1875 by Watanabe et al.
which consist of five steps.
These includes
Step I: Classification of the request
Step II: Obtaining background information
Step III: Systematic search
Step IV: Response
Step V: Reclassification
But this was modified by Host and Kirkwood in 1987 to seven steps without
modifying the standards in order to cope up with the changing needs of patients as
well as the resources. Before, Health care professionals have limited options thereby
limiting also their capabilities. But now, more options can be taken out and faster
response are now required.
The seven steps are the following
Step
Step
Step
Step
Step
Step
Step

I Secure demographics of requestor

II Obtain background information
III Determine and categorize the ultimate question
IV Develop strategy and conduct search
V Perform evaluation, analysis and synthesis
VI Formulate and provide response
VII Conduct follow up and documentation

Step One: Securing Requestor Demographics

Accept the initial question
The way the question is presented, as well as the question subject matter itself
provide some insight but this is not enough
It is important to directly determine the requestors:
-Position - training - anticipated knowledge securing a mechanism for the delivery of
the response

The professional background of the caller dictates the depth or focus of

research to be conducted and determines the language to be used in the formulation
of the final response
Example pt and CV specialist asking about drug availability (investigational
medication)
Different frame of reference to the request
The approach to the request and the final response will differ to each requestor.
Mechanism for delivery of the response

Step Two: Obtain Background information:

Essential to using the modified systematic approach
Historically, this is the most difficult step (for both students and practicing
pharmacists)
When has adequate background information been obtained?
When an individual can truly answer the question
why is the requestor asking for this information
The background information must be sufficiently comprehensive
The questions must be appropriate for the circumstances
General information is necessary (condition, or academic)
Other questions specific to the nature of the request
Background information, when performed optimally, should be a dialogue
Rarely will one obtain adequate background information by forcibly demanding
such information

The resources that the requestor already consulted this is often neglected or
overlooked. However it can
help determine the baseline sophistication of the requestor as well as to verify the
information present
in that resource.

 With practice, obtaining background information can become a polished skill and
this information
utilized appropriately to respond efficiently to questions.

Sample questions:
Is the utility of the modified systematic approach
limited to the confines of a drug information center?
The systematic approach principles have been
utilized in assuring quality for drug information
responses, training in drug information skills, as well
as in developing and enhancing programs.