To Assess the Attitude, Knowledge and Practices of Medical Professionals About Adverse Drug Reactions and Their Reporting in a Teaching Hospital.

ABSTRACT

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are one of the leading causes of morbidity and represent a substantial burden on healthcare resources. It has been reported that 2.4-6.5% of the total admissions in the hospitals are due to the adverse reactions, many of which are preventable. Voluntary ADR reporting is fundamental to medical drug safety surveillance; however, substantial underreporting is the main limitation of the system. It is estimated that only 6-10% of all ADRs are reported. Therefore, the present study has been designed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of the medical professionals towards the ADRs and their reporting in our Institute. Aim and objectives: This study is aimed at investigating the knowledge and attitude and practices of medical professionals in a teaching hospital. Material and methods: The present study was a questionnaire based study. A structured validated questionnaire was used consisting of open ended and closed ended questions to collect the information after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC). The study population consisted of all the medical teachers of the institute. Results: The response rate was 85%. Eighty percent of the respondents identified ADR as one of the major causes for mortality and morbidity in patients. ADR reporting was considered important by 87.5% respondents. More than 85% wrote that they did not have enough knowledge about how to report an ADR. One hundred percent of the participants believed that there should be a system of ADRs reporting and monitoring in the institute. Interestingly, all the respondents believed that if the teachers from allied streams (dental, nursing, physiotherapy, pharmacy) are sensitized, it can be useful. Conclusion: There are gaps between knowledge and ADRs reporting among doctors working in a teaching hospital. These gaps need to be filled by improved training and awareness in pharmacovigilance at various levels of healthcare system.