The knowledge, attitude and behaviours of nurses about pharmacovigilance, adverse drug reaction and adverse event reporting in a state hospital

Knowledge, attitude and practices about pharmacovigilance activities among hospital nurses: a multicentre cross-sectional survey

Background

The national pharmacovigilance (PV) system has been established in many countries worldwide following the thalidomide tragedy. Nurses have an important role in recognising and reporting any Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR); however, their role has not been widely explored, particularly in Southeast Asian countries.

Aims

To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) about PV activities, along with barriers and facilitators that affect ADR reporting among hospital nurses in Malaysia. The present study also explores the relationship between demographic characteristics and predictors of KAP among hospital nurses in Malaysia.

Methods

A multicentre, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in March-May 2021, among nurses working at tertiary care hospitals in Malaysia.

Results

The mean KAP score of study participants was 57 ± 11. Overall participants had poor ADR knowledge (37.4%), and poor reporting practices (48.9%). Age >30 years (AOR = 2.7 (1.13-6.8), p = 0.02), and working experience of greater than 10 years (AOR = 2.44 (1.08-5.52), p = 0.03), were significantly associated with good ADR knowledge and reporting practices among study participants.

Conclusions

In summary, study findings offer valuable insight for developing targeted interventions and formal training to improve nurses' ADR knowledge and reporting practices. Addressing gaps in these areas can enhance patient safety and overall healthcare quality.

Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice in Relation to Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting: A Systematic Review

AIM

To describe and synthesize aspects of knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting and to explore associated barriers from a nurse perspective.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge from January 2010 to October 2020 were searched. Original observational studies that were written in English and which focused on nurses' knowledge, attitudes, practice, and perceived barriers regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting in various healthcare settings were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies published in English from 2010 to 2020 were retrieved during the search process. Overall, in the knowledge domain, the median percentages of nurses who were aware of the definitions of ADRs were 74.1%, while only 26.3% were aware of the adverse drug reaction reporting form. In the attitude domain, 84.6% of nurses believed ADR reporting to be important for patient/medicine safety and 37.1% had a fear of legal liability following ADR reporting. Although 67.1% of nurses encountered ADRs during their professional life, only 21.2% had a history of ADR reporting. In addition, lack of knowledge/training (median: 47.1%) was identified as the most common barrier in ADR reporting from a nursing viewpoint.

CONCLUSION

Despite positive nurse attitudes, knowledge and practice in relation to pharmacovigilance activities and ADR reporting did not occur regularly or often. Improving nurses' knowledge through in-service training and degree-level education and addressing the main barriers of ADR reporting may help to achieve an improved level of reporting.

A Qualitative Evaluation of Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting System in Pakistan: Findings from the Nurses' Perspective

The contribution of all key healthcare professionals is vital to promote an efficient adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting system. In this context, nurses are important as they are in a better position to observe a patient's response regarding the drug therapy and to report an ADR. The aim of the study was to explore the perspectives of nurses about ADR reporting system in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 21 nurses were interviewed. The thematic content analysis of the qualitative interviews yielded six major themes and eight subthemes. Major themes included: (1) Knowledge about the concept of the medication safety & the ADR; (2) Knowledge regarding pharmacovigilance activities; (3) Willingness to report; (4) Practices related to the ADR reporting; (5) Barriers to the ADR reporting; (6) Facilitators to the ADR reporting. The majority of the nurses were aware of medicine safety and ADRs, but in many cases, they were unable to report these ADRs. The study pointed out considerable concerns regarding the knowledge and practices of nurses about pharmacovigilance activities in their workplace, mainly due to increased workload, due to the absence of a reporting system and legal liability. The main challenges turned out to be the lack of knowledge and training, as well as the implementation of guidelines. Based on the findings, it is suggested that outcome of this study can serve as a guide to design policies that support ADR reporting by nurses in Pakistan.

Healthcare professionals' pharmacovigilance knowledge and adverse drug reaction reporting behavior and factors determining the reporting rates

Background: Spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports prepared by healthcare professionals (HCPs) are the backbone of collecting post-marketing safety data. However, underreporting is a global problem creating health, economic, and ethical burden.

Objectives: To determine the factors limiting ADR reporting rates from the HCPs’ point of view.

Methods: A questionnaire containing 43 questions evaluating sociodemographic characteristics, pharmacovigilance knowledge and activities, and prescription behaviors was prepared on “surveymonkey.com.” The link was distributed mainly by professional organizations.

Results: Although this survey aimed to reach all HCPs, most of the respondents were physicians and nurses. Of the 259 (69.6%) participants who encountered ADR at least once, only 105 (40.5%) reported ADR. The term “pharmacovigilance” was heard for the first time in this survey by 35.5% (n = 132) of the participants. Only 34.7% (n = 129) of the participants knew where to find the ADR reporting form, and 25.5% (n = 95) had previously filled the form and/or read it. Only 28.5% (n = 106) of the participants were aware of the ADR reporting and monitoring system of their institutions and related professionals. Almost all the participants agreed that pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting training are necessary.

Conclusion: The main reason for underreporting is limited pharmacovigilance knowledge of HCPs. Training activities based on the needs and preferences of HCPs and close follow-up by authorities are the main steps to improve pharmacovigilance activities.