Role and functions of Poisons Information Centre

Abstract

The Poisons Information Centre (PIC) is a specialized unit providing information on prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of poisoning and hazard management. Most of the developed and many developing countries have well established poison control centres with poisons information service, patient management facility and analytical laboratory. In India, the National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) was established in February, 1995 in the Department of Pharmacology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The centre provides toxicological information and advice on the management of poisoned patients adopted to the level of the enquirer. The basis of this service are the databases on poisoning, drug reactions and also the continuous and systematic collection of data from the library. This information service is available round the clock. The PIC has the training responsibility extending to medical and other health professionals and community. The NPIC organized two successive training courses for medical professionals and para professionals at all health levels. Further, NPIC is a participant of INTOX project of IPCS/WHO, receiving regular yearly training on the use of INTOX database. Laboratory service is an essential component of a poisons control programme, providing analytical services on emergency basis to help in diagnosis and management. The NPIC is developing facilities for quick diagnosis of poisoning cases. Toxicovigilance and prevention of poisoning is another major function of PIC. The Centre has prepared manuals and leaflets on prevention and management cards on treatment of various poisonings. Thus the Centre provides a service with considerable health benefits, reducing morbidity and mortality from poisoning and gives significant financial savings to the community.

Evaluation of poison information services provided by a new poison information center

“…It also depends on the ability to locate, analyze and deliver the information required in a skillful, efficient and evidence-based manner to meet the needs of the requestor and document enquiries and information given in a clear and systematic manner. [8121314151719] Hence, we evaluated the quality of services provided by the center.…”

“…[101112] For the management of poisoning cases, poison information centers are a ready source of help as they can provide authentic information and guidelines for first aid and treatment of emergencies related to toxic exposures. [1011] A global study undertaken during the period 1984-1986 indicated that while most of the developed countries had well-established facilities for poison control, this was rarely the case in developing countries.…”

“…[11] Ideally, the poison information centers should provide information in a timely and excellent manner. [12] It has been found that fulfilling these goals improves the quality of patient care and help reduce the poisoning incidences. [1314] The services provided by a poison information center not only help reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by poisoning, but also help reduce future accidental poisoning.…”

“…[1314] The services provided by a poison information center not only help reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by poisoning, but also help reduce future accidental poisoning. [8121315] Poison information services are highly cost-effective as timely information can reduce the health-care expenditures by reducing unnecessary admissions and/or preventing prolonged hospitalization. [8121316]…”

“…[8121315] Poison information services are highly cost-effective as timely information can reduce the health-care expenditures by reducing unnecessary admissions and/or preventing prolonged hospitalization. [8121316]…”