To study the awareness about the pharmacovigilance in the postgraduate residents at a tertiary care hospital- A kap study

Abstract

Background

Pharmacovigilance is the science related to detection, evaluation and prevention of Adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Safety of patients and safe use of medicines are high requisition that has emerged practice of Pharmacovigilance. Pharmacovigilance system is established to report suspected ADRs encountered during practice. Lack of knowledge, awareness, complacency and training are factors responsible for underreporting.

Methodology

We assessed awareness of Pharmacovigilance in Postgraduate residents in a hospital set up after ethical approval. The questionnaire of 26 questions (knowledge-15, attitude-5 and practice -6) was designed based on the precedence and was standardised. It was distributed among 120 post-graduate students and the data was analysed accordingly.

Result

Out of 120 postgraduate doctors, 100 participated in the study. Response rate was 83% Regarding knowledge, Only, 41% could retort the meaning of ADR, 52% could make a prospective relation for the meaning of pharmacovigilance, 88% had acquaintances for which ADR has to be reported. 89% had apprehension in recording important elements in ADR.
About attitude, residents were vivid in their outlook for ADR reporting as on catechising 100% felt necessity to report and 90% were affirmative about starting a Pharmacovigilance training program.
While trying to eloquent the practice, 87% have never seen ADR reporting form, 89% never reported it, 73% experienced ADR in patients. 98% opined to strengthen the Pharmacovigilance system.
Overall, 55% had knowledge, 87.6% had positive attitude whereas practice is only 45%

Conclusion

We recommend Pharmacovigilance should be made integral training program in healthcare curriculum to strengthen it.