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Alshammari TM. Pharmacovigilance and outcomes: experience from Saudi Arabia narrative review. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2025; 25:7-15. [PMID: 39225475 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2024.2399258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pharmacovigilance (PV) plays a central role as a quality benchmark for healthcare systems in any country. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) contribute significantly to patient hospitalization and are major contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Achieving improvements in health infrastructure and employing precise monitoring tools are essential components of drug safety. As reliance on drug therapy increases, patient exposure to potential risks rises, emphasizing the importance of minimizing ADRs. AREA COVERED A search for studies published from January 2010 to November 2023 was retrieved from PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases. We developed the search strategies using the Mesh terms and keywords. Only English-language literature was included. EXPERT OPINION Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria and utilized to evaluate the pharmacovigilance and its outcomes. The Saudi 2030 vision outlines an initiative to enhance patient care through a robust, safety- and quality-centered culture, fostering collaboration between drug manufacturers and regulatory authorities. This collaborative approach is expected to result in higher-quality care for the public. Moreover, a unified, simple, and advanced ADR reporting portal, in collaboration with stakeholders, is recommended to enhance the quality of ADR reporting. Also, commitment to training, updating courses, and incorporating PV practices into curricula demonstrates progress in Saudi PV System.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thamir M Alshammari
- Department of Clinical Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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Alshehri H, Alharbi A, Alqethami N, Alnuhait M, Alshammari A, Alotaibi AS. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Pharmacovigilance and Barriers to Reporting Adverse Drug Reactions Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2024; 17:2557-2572. [PMID: 39493376 PMCID: PMC11531241 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s484223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacovigilance (PV) is an essential part of the healthcare system's framework. In Saudi Arabia, pharmacovigilance is still a relatively new concept though it is well established in many countries. Study Aim In this study, we aim to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding pharmacovigilance and barriers to reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among the general public in Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that used a self-administered online questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of PV and ADRs. The study included only the adult population in Saudi Arabia. A scoring system was generated with a scale from 0 to 100, where 80% was set as a cut-off point, as any higher score resembled adequate knowledge, a positive attitude, and good practice. We used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 for performing the statistical analysis, where para-normal tests were used to associate scores with the socio-demographic characteristics of participants. Results The study collected 1098 complete responses. The mean age (±SD) of participants was 37.9±11.2 years. Females comprised 68.9% of the participants. The average knowledge score among participants was 37.8±18.5, where only 4.3% of respondents had adequate knowledge. The average attitude score was 90.1±19.2, where 83.4% had a positive attitude. The average practice score was 70.4±18, and 34.5% of participants had good practice. Conclusion The study found that the majority of participants had inadequate knowledge, a positive attitude, and poor practice. Individuals holding a master's degree or higher and those working in the healthcare sector had the highest knowledge scores, whereas the group aged 31 to 50 years old, participants from the Al Jawf region, participants who are married with children, holders of a master's degree or higher, and healthcare workers had the best attitude scores. Higher practice scores were seen among married individuals with children and those who work in the healthcare sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind Alshehri
- Pharmaceutical Practices Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adnan Alharbi
- Pharmaceutical Practices Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noof Alqethami
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Taif Health Cluster, King Faisal Medical Complex, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alnuhait
- Pharmaceutical Practices Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alshammari
- Pharmaceutical Practices Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmalik S Alotaibi
- Pharmaceutical Practices Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Alkofide H, Almalag HM, Alromaih M, Alotaibi L, Altuwaijri N, Al Aloola N, Alsabhan JF, Bawazeer GA, Al Juffali L, Alfaraj R, Alkhudair N, Aljadeed R, Aljadeed R, Alnaim LS. Pharmacovigilance Practices by Healthcare Providers in Oncology: A Cross-Sectional Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:683. [PMID: 38931351 PMCID: PMC11206558 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Investigating pharmacovigilance (PV) practices among oncology healthcare providers (HCPs) is crucial for patient safety in oncology settings. This study aimed to assess the awareness, attitudes, and practices towards PV and identify barriers to effective adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting for HCPs working in oncology-related settings. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, we collected data from 65 HCPs, focusing on their experiences with ADR reporting, education on ADR management, and familiarity with PV protocols. The results showed that about half of the responders were pharmacists. Around 58.9% of the respondents reported ADRs internally, and 76.9% had received some form of ADR-related education. However, only 38.5% were aware of formal ADR review procedures. Methotrexate and paclitaxel emerged as the drugs most frequently associated with ADRs. The complexity of cancer treatments was among the common reasons for the low reporting of ADRs by the study participants. The findings highlight the need for enhanced PV education and standardized reporting mechanisms to improve oncology care. We conclude that reinforcing PV training and streamlining ADR-reporting processes are critical to optimizing patient outcomes and safety in oncology, advocating for targeted educational interventions and the development of unified PV guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeel Alkofide
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.A.); (N.A.A.); (J.F.A.); (G.A.B.); (L.A.J.); (N.A.); (R.A.); (R.A.)
- Drug Regulation Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haya M. Almalag
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.A.); (N.A.A.); (J.F.A.); (G.A.B.); (L.A.J.); (N.A.); (R.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Mashael Alromaih
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.A.); (N.A.A.); (J.F.A.); (G.A.B.); (L.A.J.); (N.A.); (R.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Lama Alotaibi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.A.); (N.A.A.); (J.F.A.); (G.A.B.); (L.A.J.); (N.A.); (R.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Njoud Altuwaijri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Noha Al Aloola
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.A.); (N.A.A.); (J.F.A.); (G.A.B.); (L.A.J.); (N.A.); (R.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Jawza F. Alsabhan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.A.); (N.A.A.); (J.F.A.); (G.A.B.); (L.A.J.); (N.A.); (R.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Ghada A. Bawazeer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.A.); (N.A.A.); (J.F.A.); (G.A.B.); (L.A.J.); (N.A.); (R.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Lobna Al Juffali
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.A.); (N.A.A.); (J.F.A.); (G.A.B.); (L.A.J.); (N.A.); (R.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Rihaf Alfaraj
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Nora Alkhudair
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.A.); (N.A.A.); (J.F.A.); (G.A.B.); (L.A.J.); (N.A.); (R.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Raniah Aljadeed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.A.); (N.A.A.); (J.F.A.); (G.A.B.); (L.A.J.); (N.A.); (R.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Rana Aljadeed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.A.); (N.A.A.); (J.F.A.); (G.A.B.); (L.A.J.); (N.A.); (R.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Lamya S. Alnaim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 1145111, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (H.M.A.); (M.A.); (N.A.A.); (J.F.A.); (G.A.B.); (L.A.J.); (N.A.); (R.A.); (R.A.)
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Rosembert DC, Twigg MJ, Wright DJ. Patient's and Consultant's Views and Perceptions on Switching from an Originator Biologic to Biosimilar Medication: A Qualitative Study. PHARMACY 2024; 12:65. [PMID: 38668091 PMCID: PMC11054985 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12020065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the opinions of patients undergoing treatment with originator biologics and medical consultants managing their conditions and identify the barriers and enablers to transitioning from originator biologics to equivalent biosimilars. This study was undertaken prior to biosimilar switching at a large teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. Five gastroenterology, rheumatology, and dermatology consultants were interviewed. Two focus groups were conducted with patients prescribed infliximab (n = 2) and etanercept originators (n = 7). Four main themes emerged, as follows: (1) 'Benefit to the NHS'; (2) 'Evidence for efficacy and safety'; (3) 'Team roles'; and (4) 'Effective communication during switching', with sub-themes such as (4a) 'What patients want to know' and (4b) 'How it should be communicated'. Recognition of the ability to save NHS money was an enabler for both patients and consultants, with patients wanting to be reassured that the money saved would be used to benefit other patients. Consultants did not always believe that biosimilars had similar efficacy as the originators or that the manufacturing standards were the same. Effective interventions to address these concerns are required. Offering patients the opportunity to revert back to their originator if necessary was seen as an enabler, as was the provision of readily available mechanisms for reporting suspected adverse events resulting from switching. The role of pharmacy in the process of switching from originator biologics to biosimilars can range from educating consultants regarding the safety and efficacy of biosimilars, explaining the rationale for switching patients, and providing a route for reporting adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. C. Rosembert
- Pharmacy Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - M. J. Twigg
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK;
- Research and Innovation Team, NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - D. J. Wright
- School of Healthcare, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK;
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Shanableh S, Zainal H, Alomar M, Palaian S. A national survey of knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers towards pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting among hospital pharmacy practitioners in the United Arab Emirates. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:92. [PMID: 37464445 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00593-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacovigilance (PV) is an essential component of patient safety and pharmacists are expected to be aware of the PV processes and willing to report ADRs. This study assessed the hospital pharmacists' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward PV, barriers faced by them in ADR reporting, and factors influencing ADR reporting. METHOD A cross-sectional nationwide questionnaire survey was conducted among randomly chosen hospital pharmacists across UAE from March to July 2022. The filled questionnaires were assessed both descriptively [median (IQR scores), maximum 5 for Likert type and 1 for knowledge questions] and inferentially using the Mann-Whitney U test (for dichotomous variables) and the Kruskal-Wallis test (for variables with more than two responses) at alpha value = 0.05. Post hoc analyses and correlations were performed wherever applicable. RESULTS Of the 342 respondents, the majority were knowledgeable about the concepts of PV (93.3%; n = 319) and ADRs (86.8%; n = 297). The overall median (IQR) knowledge score was 5 (3-7)/9. Knowledge levels within 'qualification groups' varied significantly (p-value < 0.001) and participants 'between 10 and 14 years of experience' had more knowledge than those 'with < 5 years of experience' (p-value < 0.001, Bonferroni test). The overall median (IQR) attitude score was 22 (20-24)/30. Most respondents (90.6%; n = 311) were willing to spare time to review patients' ADR reports. The overall median (IQR) practice score was 17.5 (11-21)/24. Although 71.1% (n = 243) noticed ADRs during the previous year, only 53.2% (n = 182) reported an ADR, the reasons for underreporting being mainly due to a lack of proper training [median IQR score 4(4-5)/5]. The 'clinical pharmacists' engaged themselves more in pharmacovigilance than 'pharmacists' (p-value = < 0.001), and 'inpatient pharmacists' reported more ADRs than 'pharmacists' (p-value = 0.018); Bonferroni test. The overall median (IQR) barrier score was 26 (23-29)/40 and the common barrier was 'lack of awareness about the national ADR reporting system 4 (4-5)'. The pharmacists in this study suggested incentives for reporting ADRs (69.3%; n = 237). CONCLUSION The authors concluded professional training courses for practicing pharmacists and educational curriculums related to PV and ADR reporting processes are to be considered for future pharmacists in order to inculcate ADR reporting culture and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan Shanableh
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hadzliana Zainal
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
| | - Muaed Alomar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Subish Palaian
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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Eze SC, Odoh EC, Eze KC, Arugo WE, Ozota GO, Anyaji UL, Mbakamma CE, Magbo CC, Ofili SC, Amaechi VC, Nwiyi CJ, Onyesoro JC, Etukudo UB, Odoh CC, Kalu LO, Eze CF. Assessment of pharmacovigilance activities among pharmacist interns in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s43094-023-00463-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Pharmacovigilance (PV) and adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting is at the core of the services and functions of a pharmacist. Pharmacist interns undergoing their one-year mandatory internship program are expected to be armed with this tool kit in order to provide adequate pharmaceutical services in all areas of pharmacy practice.
Objectives
This study sought to assess the knowledge and perception of pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting among pharmacist interns in Nigeria.
Methods
This study was a cross-sectional study among pharmacist interns in their one-year mandatory internship program across Nigeria. The 32-item semi-structured questionnaires were administered online using simple random sampling with the snowballing technique to recruit the participants in the study. The results were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. The Chi-square test and contingency coefficient were used to determine the association between knowledge of PV and the demographics of the participants.
Results
A total of 450 pharmacist interns participated in this study. The participants' knowledge of pharmacovigilance and ADR is 92.5%. About 96.2% of respondents feel that responses to newly released pharmaceuticals must be recorded, compared to 79.1% for older drugs already on the market. There is a high correlation between the duration of the internship program and understanding of PV and ADR reporting among participants. More than fifty percent of respondents concur that ADR reporting is critical, while more than eighty percent concur that ADR reporting is required for pharmacists, the most significant health professionals in ADR reporting. The participants' length of participation in an internship program and their internship location significantly impact their opinion of ADR reporting. Seventy-four percent (74%) of respondents from tertiary hospitals say their internship center encourages ADR reporting.
Conclusion
Most participants have a solid understanding of PV and ADR reporting, but perceptions of PV and ADR reporting are substantially correlated with internship location and program length. Active measures should be implemented to ensure that all pharmacy interns comprehend and embrace PV and ADR reporting as their exclusive duty.
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Paut Kusturica M, Tomas A, Rašković A, Gigov S, Crnobrnja V, Jevtić M, Stilinović N. Community pharmacists' challenges regarding adverse drug reaction reporting: a cross-sectional study. Curr Med Res Opin 2022; 38:1229-1236. [PMID: 35470747 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2070380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The effectiveness of the national drug safety monitoring program directly depends on the active participation of healthcare professionals in reporting suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The aim of the study was to explore community pharmacists' comprehension of pharmacovigilance, their perspectives toward reporting ADRs and investigate the current practice of ADR reporting among pharmacists in Serbia. METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of pharmacists in Serbia between November 2019 and March 2020 using a pre-tested questionnaire distributed online. Eligible participants were community pharmacists in Serbia who were willing to participate in the study during the data collection period. Non-parametric statistical tests were performed in the analysis of knowledge, perspectives and ADR reporting. The validity and reliability of the survey were measured by exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS The median knowledge score was 6 out of 10 (interquartile range 5-7, range 2-10). No significant differences in the knowledge scores of pharmacists were found based on weekly working hours (U = 24,805, p = .374), working experience (χ2 = 4.011, DF = 2, p = .135), being a member of a professional organization (U = 24,312, p = .209), or highest level of pharmacy qualification obtained (χ2 = 3.233, DF = 3, p = .506). Only 28.8% of pharmacists reported ADR at least once a year, while the majority of them have never reported any ADRs. CONCLUSIONS Despite the community pharmacists' positive attitude toward adverse drug reporting and their role in the process, they show limited knowledge regarding the issue and highly prevalent under-reporting of ADRs. Educational programs are necessary to increase ADRs reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Paut Kusturica
- Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ana Tomas
- Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Rašković
- Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Slobodan Gigov
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Veljko Crnobrnja
- Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, Department of Pathophysiology, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Marija Jevtić
- Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, Department of Hygiene, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nebojša Stilinović
- Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Alshabi AM, Shaikh MAK, Shaikh IA, Alkahtani SA, Aljadaan A. Knowledge, attitude and practice of hospital pharmacists towards Pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting in Najran, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:1018-1026. [PMID: 35903528 PMCID: PMC9315274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pharmacovigilance (PV) is critical in determining the risk–benefit ratio of medicines and encouraging their safe, rational, and effective use, hence enhancing patient safety and care. Pharmacists, as drug experts, share responsibility for ensuring that medicines remain safe. Objective The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of hospital pharmacists towards PV and adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting and to know factors that discourage them from reporting ADRs in Najran, Saudi Arabia. Methods A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all the pharmacists working in government hospitals who consented to participate in the study. Data was collected over three months, from 01 June 2018 to 31 Aug 2018. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software for Windows, version 23. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages, mean ± standard deviation (SD) were calculated, and the Pearson's Chi-square test was used to examine the relationship between different variables. Results A total of 145 questionnaires were distributed, and the response rate obtained was 70.3%. The definition of PV and ADR were correctly identified by 42% and 68.3% of participants, respectively. A noteworthy finding is that 95% of participants were aware of the existence of the ADR reporting system, and 88.9% knew the responsible regulatory agency. Participants showed a positive attitude towards PV and ADR reporting; 90.1% considered ADR reporting a part of professional obligation, and 94.1% believed that there should be collaboration between pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. A majority of participants (86.1%) had identified an ADR during their practice, and 71.3% had reported an ADR. The unavailability of a professional environment to discuss ADR and insufficient pharmacotherapy/clinical knowledge was cited as the main factors discouraging from reporting ADRs. Conclusions Overall, the pharmacists had an average to good knowledge of and positive attitude towards PV and ADR reporting and a good ADR reporting practice. The concept of PV and ADR reporting should be further strengthened, and there is a vast potential for the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mohamed Alshabi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding author.
| | | | - Ibrahim Ahmed Shaikh
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Ahmed Alkahtani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Aljadaan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
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