Questionnaire Based Awareness Study for Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting by the Community Pharmacist in Amravati District

Abstract

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are one of the major problems associated with medication. Efficiency and success of any pharmacovigilance program relies heavily on the participation of all health professionals. Spontaneous ADR reporting is the cornerstone of Pharmacovigilance. Pharmacists can promote medication safety through spontaneous reporting of ADRs. However, underreporting is a huge problem due to lack of reporting culture amongst healthcare professionals, Different educational interventions and different factors (socio-demographic & professional) have been implicated to influence reporting process. The present survey was undertaken to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practices regarding ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance among the community pharmacists (20) in Amravati District; and to identify the main factors and barriers that influence ADRs reporting. It is a questionnaire based survey including 25 questions related to Pharmacovigilance, ADRs and their reporting. The responses from the community pharmacists were recorded and evaluated. From the survey it was found that, most of the pharmacists have more awareness and information about pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting compared with elderly pharmacists (age 50-60 years). Some pharmacist were unaware and lack of basic information regarding the reporting of an ADR, while some of them were found to be aware and knew the process of reporting an ADRs. Improving ADR reporting by pharmacists is essential for enhancing pharmacovigilance and ensuring patient safety. By increasing awareness and knowledge about ADRs and ADR reporting, and providing support and incentives for reporting, pharmacists can play a vital role in detecting and preventing ADRs, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and drug safety.