ABSTRACT
Background: Pharmacovigilance is of core importance for the prevention of adverse effect by signal generation. It developed as a science and Practice. Central database collecting international reports helpful in generating signals, improving safety profile, prevention of future adverse effects, thus provide a key data to national drug regulatory to make regulation. It is not only a science but act as a law and regulation. Underreporting of ADRs by healthcare professionals remains a major problem. Clinician’s collaboration is needed to come up with the challenges of underreporting. Spontaneous reporting plays a cardinal role in Pharmacovigilance practice.Methods: Cross Sectional, questioner-based study, 56- postgraduates, 42- first year,60- Second year, 35- Third year students of Institute of Medical Sciences were included with prior consent and Ethical committee permission. Structured pre-test questioner on, Knowledge-10, Attitude-02, Practice-06 were asked. Seminar was conducted on the ‘Pharmacovigilance in India: current Scenario, Study material were distributed to students. Prior to seminar and one week after conduction of seminar again the questioner was distributed again, and the same study was conducted, the difference in the response and attitude after transformation of knowledge were recorded.Results: After transformation of knowledge 77% JR responded that ADR and medication both should be reported which was earlier only 31%. 80% JR replied that ADR should be reported as early as possible which was earlier 38%. It indicates that transformation of knowledge is a pillar to bring the change in practise. 100% second year students responded that they have seen ADR reporting form which was only 30% before seminar.Conclusions: Up gradation of Knowledge by seminar, research papers, awareness pamphlets, Apps will promote the reporting and will strengthen the signal generation systems.
ABSTRACT
Background: Population burden, illiteracy, availability of few doctors for larger group of population all these leads to many unanswered questions left in a patient’s mind. Incomplete information results into noncompliance, therapeutic failure, and adverse drug reactions (ADR). It is very important to establish a system which will provide noncommercial, independent, unbiased source of medicine information. Medicines Info OPD is a concept and step towards safe and appropriate use of medicines. Objective: (1) To assess the present status of knowledge about the medicines in the patients and its correlation with education. (2) To assess the medicine information dispensing modalities, their use and sufficiency from the patients view point. (3) To assess the overall need for Medicines Information OPD in present scenario. Materials and Methods: A pre-validated questionnaire based study was conducted amongst 500 patients of tertiary health care hospital. The questionnaire consisted of specific questions regarding understanding of prescription, knowledge about adverse drug reaction, view about self-medication and opinion regarding the need of Medicines Info OPD. Results: Significantly large proportion of patients opined that doctors do not have sufficient time in current Indian healthcare to explain the prescription and they are not aware of adverse drug reactions, expiry date or use the package inserts etc. Conclusion: Clinically relevant, up to date, user specific, independent, objective and unbiased Medicines Info OPD is essential for appropriate drug use and can help in a big way to common public to address many problems faced by them.