Influence of attitudes, normative beliefs, and situational variables on physicians' use of pharmacists as drug information consultants.

The Fishbein Behavioral Intention Model was used as a conceptual framework to explain physicians' use of pharmacists as drug information consultants (DICs) at a Midwest teaching hospital. Questionnaires based on the Fishbein model were mailed to 405 physicians practicing in a teaching hospital. The questionnaire explored the effects of situational variables and of physicians' attitudes and normative beliefs on the use of pharmacists as DICs. The response rate was 22.9%. Regression analysis showed the principal determinant of a physician's intention to use a DIC was the presence of a situation involving an adverse drug reaction. Physicians sought DIC services strictly for their functional benefits. The findings indicated that physician acceptance of DICs can be increased by documenting the benefits of DIC services, and by increasing pharmacist accessibility in the patient-care setting. Comprehensive theroretical frameworks with the Fishbein model can be used to explain and predict physician interaction with DICs and to develop strategies for altering physician behavior.