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Nyame L, Hu Y, Xue H, Fiagbey EDK, Li X, Tian Y, Fan L, Du W. Variation of adverse drug events in different settings in Africa: a systematic review. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:333. [PMID: 38880895 PMCID: PMC11181533 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01934-0] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse drug events (ADEs) represent challenges affecting Africa's healthcare systems owing to the increased healthcare expenditure and negative health outcomes of ADEs. OBJECTIVES We aimed to systematically review published studies on ADEs and synthesize the existing evidence of ADE prevalence in Africa. METHODS Studies reporting on ADE occurrence in African settings and published from Jan 1, 2000 to Oct 1, 2023 were identified by searching PubMed, EBSCO, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Studies that either articulately investigated ADEs caused by clinical condition (such as HIV patients) or ADEs caused by exposure to specific drug(s) (such as antibiotics) were considered specific and the remaining were general. Grouped ADE prevalence rates were described using median and interquartile range (IQR). PROSPERO registration (CRD42022374095). RESULTS We included 78 observational studies from 15 African countries that investigated the prevalence of ADEs leading to hospital admissions (17 studies), developed during hospitalizations (30 studies), and captured in the outpatient departments (38 studies) or communities (4 studies). Twelve studies included multiple settings. The median prevalence of ADE during hospitalization was 7.8% (IQR: 4.2-21.4%) and 74.2% (IQR: 54.1-90.7%) in general and specific patients, respectively. The ADE-related fatality rate was 0.1% and 1.3% in general and specific patients. The overall median prevalence of ADEs leading to hospital admissions was 6.0% (IQR: 1.5-9.0%); in general, patients and the median prevalence of ADEs in the outpatient and community settings were 22.9% (IQR: 14.6-56.1%) and 32.6% (IQR: 26.0-41.3%), respectively, with a median of 43.5% (IQR: 16.3-59.0%) and 12.4% (IQR: 7.1-28.1%) of ADEs being preventable in general and specific patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of ADEs was significant in both hospital and community settings in Africa. A high ADE prevalence was observed in specific patients, emphasizing important areas for improvement, particularly in at-risk patient groups (e.g., pediatrics, HIV, and TB patients) in various settings. Due to limited studies conducted in the community setting, future research in this setting is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Nyame
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yuhua Hu
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Xue
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Emmanuel D K Fiagbey
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Li
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Yong Tian
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lijun Fan
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Du
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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Putri RA, Ikawati Z, Rahmawati F, Yasin NM. An Awareness of Pharmacovigilance Among Healthcare Professionals Due to an Underreporting of Adverse Drug Reactions Issue: A Systematic Review of the Current State, Obstacles, and Strategy. Curr Drug Saf 2024; 19:317-331. [PMID: 38989832 PMCID: PMC11327747 DOI: 10.2174/0115748863276456231016062628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare professionals play an essential role in reporting adverse drug reactions as part of pharmacovigilance activities. However, adverse drug reactions reported by healthcare professionals remain low. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to investigate healthcare professionals' knowledge, awareness, attitude, and practice on pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting, explore the causes of the underreporting issue, and provide improvement strategies. METHODS This systematic review was conducted using four electronic databases for original papers, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Scholar ID. Recent publications from 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2022 were selected. The following terms were used in the search: "awareness", "knowledge", "adverse drug reaction", "pharmacovigilance", "healthcare professional", and "underreporting factor". Articles were chosen, extracted, and reviewed by the two authors. RESULTS Twenty-five studies were selected for systematic review. This review found that 24.8%-73.33% of healthcare professionals were unaware of the National Pharmacovigilance Center. Around 20%-95.7% of healthcare professionals have a positive attitude toward pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting, while 12%-60.8% of healthcare professionals have experience reporting any adverse drug reaction in their practice. The most frequently highlighted barriers to pharmacovigilance were a lack of awareness and knowledge regarding what, when, and to whom to report. CONCLUSION Underreporting issues require immediate attention among healthcare professionals due to a lack of awareness and knowledge of pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting. Educational and training program interventions have been suggested by most studies to address these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risani Andalasia Putri
- Department of Pharmacy, Dharmais National Cancer Hospital, RS, Kanker Dharmais, Jl. S. Parman Kav, 84 - 86, West Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Zullies Ikawati
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sekip Utara Street, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Fita Rahmawati
- Department of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Bulaksumur, Caturtunggal, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Nanang Munif Yasin
- Department of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Bulaksumur, Caturtunggal, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
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Candeias C, Gama J, Rodrigues M, Falcão A, Alves G. Patients' Characterization, Pattern of Medication Use, and Factors Associated with Polypharmacy: A Cross-Sectional Study Focused on Eight Units of the Portuguese National Network for Long-Term Integrated Care. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:57. [PMID: 38200961 PMCID: PMC10778689 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010057] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Portuguese National Network for Long-term Integrated Care (RNCCI) comprises several Units for Integrated Continuous Care (UCCIs) that provide medical, nursing, and rehabilitation care. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic and medical characteristics of patients admitted to the RNCCI, their patterns of medication use, and factors associated with polypharmacy. An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study was performed. This study population consisted of 180 patients. Polypharmacy status was divided into two groups: non-polypharmacy (taking ≤ 4 drugs) and polypharmacy (taking ≥ 5 drugs). Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the influence of predictor factors such as demographic and medical characteristics on the polypharmacy status during the UCCI stays. This study population (mean age of 78.4 ± 12.3 years, range 23-102 years, 59% female) was prescribed a median of 8 medications. Approximately 89.4% of the patients were taking ≥ 5 drugs, demonstrating that polypharmacy is highly prevalent in Portuguese RNCCI residents of the eight UCCIs studied. A subsequent analysis with multivariate logistic regression found that polypharmacy status was significantly associated with the unit of internment (facility) when compared to facility E with H and with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). The high prevalence of polypharmacy and the associated factors show that it is urgent to improve pharmacotherapy regimens through periodic monitoring and review of patients' therapeutic lists, an area in which pharmacists play a very important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Candeias
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- UMP—Union of Portuguese Mercies, Rua Entrecampos 9, 1000-151 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jorge Gama
- CMA-UBI—Centre of Mathematics and Applications, Faculty of Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês D’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - Márcio Rodrigues
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- CPIRN-UDI-IPG—Center for Potential and Innovation of Natural Resources, Research Unit for Inland Development, Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, Av. Dr. Francisco de Sá Carneiro, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
| | - Amílcar Falcão
- CIBIT—Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gilberto Alves
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- ESALD-IPCB—Dr. Lopes Dias School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Av. do Empresário, Campus da Talagueira, 6000-767 Castelo Branco, Portugal
- UFBI—Pharmacovigilance Unit of Beira Interior, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
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Mustafa ZU, Haroon S, Aslam N, Saeed A, Salman M, Hayat K, Shehzadi N, Hussain K, Khan AH. Exploring Pakistani Physicians' Knowledge and Practices Regarding High Alert Medications: Findings and Implications. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:744038. [PMID: 35359861 PMCID: PMC8960238 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.744038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: While many low-middle income countries (LMICs), including Pakistan, try and ensure patient safety within available resources, there are considerable concerns with medication use. Unsafe and inappropriate medication use, especially high alert medications (HAMs), is one of the important factors compromising patient safety and quality of care. Besides economic loss, HAMs contribute to greater morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality. Physicians as key members of the provision of healthcare are expected to be well aware of the administration and regulations surrounding HAMs. However, the current status is unknown in Pakistan. Consequently, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the knowledge of Pakistani physicians about the administration, regulation, and practices related to HAMs. This builds on our recently published study with nurses. Methods: An online cross-sectional study design was used, and data were gathered from the physicians throughout Pakistan using previously used self-administered questionnaires during a period of 5 months (January 1 to May 30, 2021). All data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 22 for Windows. Results: Physicians (847) who provided consent were enrolled in the study. Most physicians (62.2%) were male, aged between 25 and 30 years (75.2%) and had 2- to 5-year work experience (50.9%). About 27% were working in the emergency departments. The median (IQR) knowledge score for HAMs administration and regulation was 5 (3) and 5 (2), respectively. About 46.4% of respondents were found to have moderate knowledge about HAMs; increasing age, work experience, and higher qualifications were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with better HAMs knowledge. Around 58% had good practices relating to HAMs during their routine work. Median practice scores increased significantly (p < 0.05) with age, work experience, and postgraduate qualification. Conclusion: Most Pakistani physicians possess moderate knowledge about HAMs administration and regulations. However, their practices relating to the HAMs administration and regulations are typically sub-optimal. Consequently, HAMs awareness needs to be improved by including course content in the current curriculum, provision of hospital-based continuous training programs about patient safety and care, and establishment of multi-disciplinary health care teams, including board-certified pharmacists and specialized nurses, for the effective execution of medication use process in Pakistani hospitals in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zia Ul Mustafa
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy Services, District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Pakpattan, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Zia Ul Mustafa, ; Muhammad Salman,
| | - Shahzaib Haroon
- Department of Medicine, Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Naeem Aslam
- Department of Surgery and Allied, District Headquarter Hospital (DHQ), Pakpattan, Pakistan
| | - Ahsan Saeed
- Department of Surgery and Allied, DHQ Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Salman
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Zia Ul Mustafa, ; Muhammad Salman,
| | - Khezar Hayat
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and AnimalSciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Khalid Hussain
- College of Pharmacy, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Amer Hayat Khan
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town, Malaysia
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Mouton JP, Jobanputra N, Tatz G, Cohen K. Serious adverse drug reactions in sub-Saharan Africa in the era of antiretroviral treatment: A systematic review. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00875. [PMID: 34738728 PMCID: PMC8569857 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to summarize and describe the burden of serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in the era of antiretroviral therapy. We searched Medline, CINAHL, Africa-Wide Information, Scopus, and Web of Science, without language restriction up to March 2021. We hand-searched reference lists, conference abstracts, and dissertation databases. We included studies reporting proportions of admissions attributed to ADRs, admissions prolonged by ADRs, or in-hospital deaths attributed to ADRs. Two reviewers independently screened the studies, reviewed the study quality using a previously published tool, and extracted the data. We tested for heterogeneity using I2 -statistics and summarized the study results using medians and interquartile ranges. Subgroup analyses summarized the results by study quality, setting, methodology, and population. From 1005 unique references identified, we included 15 studies. Median study quality was 7/10; heterogeneity was very high. Median [IQR] proportion of admissions attributed to ADRs was 4.8% [1.5% to 7.0%] (14 studies) and 6.4% [4.0% to 8.4%] in nine active surveillance studies in adults. Two pediatric studies reported the proportion of admissions prolonged by ADRs (0.29% and 0.99%). Three studies reported the proportion of in-hospital deaths attributed to ADRs (2.5%, 13%, and 16%). Antiretroviral and antituberculosis drugs were often implicated in serious ADRs. Evidence of the burden of serious ADRs in SSA is patchy and heterogeneous. A few high-quality studies suggest that the burden is considerable, and that it reflects the regional impact of the HIV pandemic. Further characterization of this burden is required, ideally in studies of standardized methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes P. Mouton
- Division of Clinical PharmacologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Nicole Jobanputra
- Division of Clinical PharmacologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Gayle Tatz
- Division of Clinical PharmacologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Karen Cohen
- Division of Clinical PharmacologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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Adegbuyi TA, Fadare JO, Araromi EJ, Sijuade AO, Bankole I, Fasuba IK, Alabi RA. Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Among Healthcare Professionals working in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare Facilities in Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria. Hosp Pharm 2021; 56:751-759. [PMID: 34732934 DOI: 10.1177/0018578720957968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) constitute a significant global healthcare challenge associated with increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs; however, there are concerns that ADRs are grossly under-reported by different categories of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in many countries. The main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of ADR reporting of HCPs working at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of care in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methodology This was a self-administered questionnaire-based study conducted among HCPs working in Ekiti State, South-west Nigeria. The questionnaire which was adapted from ones used in similar studies was reviewed for content validity by experts in the field. Healthcare professionals (medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses, community health extension workers, and other allied HCPs) working in the 3 tiers of healthcare participated in the study. The questionnaire consisted of sections on the demographics of respondents, their knowledge, attitude and practice of ADR reporting. Data analysis was done using SPSS (version 25) employing t test, ANOVA and chi-square as appropriate with P-value < .05 accepted as being statistically significant. Results Three hundred HCPs comprising of nurses (112; 37.3%), physicians (75; 25.0%), pharmacists (53; 17.7%), community health extension workers (40; 13.3%) and others (20; 6.7%) completed the questionnaire with 166 (55.3%) of them working in tertiary healthcare facilities. Male respondents (6.3 ± 1.7; P = .003), pharmacists (7.0 ± 1.6; P < .0001), HCPs and those from tertiary centers (6.2 ± 1.7; P = .028) had higher knowledge scores. While 228 (76%) respondents had observed incidents of ADR during their professional practice, only 75 (25%) have ever reported it. Only 113 (37.7%) of respondents had seen the adverse drug reaction reporting form with only 53 (17.7%) ever using it. The reporting methods preferred by respondents were through email/internet (102; 34.0%), phone/SMS (78; 26.0%) and using the hard copy of the forms (95; 31.7%). The attitude of respondents towards ADR reporting was mainly positive. Conclusion There was significant variation in the knowledge of different categories of HCPs and facility levels about ADR reporting. Encouragingly, the overall attitude of respondents towards ADR reporting was positive. Based on the above, strategies are needed to build capacity of HCPs in the area of on adverse drug reaction and its' reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph O Fadare
- Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.,Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Iyanu Bankole
- Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
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Adedapo ADA, Adedeji WA, Adedapo IA, Adedapo KS. Cohort study on adverse drug reactions in adults admitted to the medical wards of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria: Prevalence, incidence, risk factors and fatality. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 87:1878-1889. [PMID: 32991765 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Intensive monitoring of medical patients for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to assess prevalence, incidence, risk factors and fatality of ADRs leading to hospital admission or occurring in the hospital. METHODS Prospective cohort study on 1280 adult patients admitted to the medical wards of a tertiary institution over 12 months. Patients were assessed for ADRs during and throughout admission; causality and preventability of ADRs were assessed. RESULTS Sixty-seven (5.2%) patients had ADRs, 51 (3.9%) caused hospitalisation while 17(1.3%) occurred during hospitalisation, and 42 (62.7%) of total ADRs were preventable. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 14 (20.3%), antidiabetics, 12 (17.4%) and antibacterial, 11 (15.8%) were the most implicated drug classes. Gastrointestinal tract (37%), central nervous system (30.2%), and skin (24.7%) were the most affected organ/systems, while upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hypoglycaemia were the most observed ADRs. ADRs led to deaths in 7 (10.4%) patients, with an overall case fatality rate of 0.5%. The highest number of deaths were among patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome 2/7 (28.6%) and hepatotoxicity 2/7 (28.6%). Risk factors, adjusted odds ratio (AOR [95% confidence interval, CI]) for ADRs leading to hospitalisation was male sex 3.11 (1.11, 8.73) while for ADRs during hospitalisation were number of drugs used before admission (AOR [95% CI] = 6.67 [1.16, 38.47]) and comorbidities (AOR [95% CI] = 3.0 [1.13, 8.01]). Patients admitted with ADRs had prolonged hospital stay (AOR [95% CI] = 3.37 [1.11, 8.71]). CONCLUSION Preventable ADRs are common and important causes of hospitalisation and inpatients' morbidity and mortality among medical patients in Nigeria. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hypoglycaemia, resulting from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antidiabetic drugs were the most observed ADRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aduragbenro D A Adedapo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Waheed A Adedeji
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Kayode S Adedapo
- Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Mekonnen AB, Alhawassi TM, McLachlan AJ, Brien JAE. Adverse Drug Events and Medication Errors in African Hospitals: A Systematic Review. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2017; 5:1-24. [PMID: 29138993 PMCID: PMC5825388 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-017-0125-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medication errors and adverse drug events are universal problems contributing to patient harm but the magnitude of these problems in Africa remains unclear. Objective The objective of this study was to systematically investigate the literature on the extent of medication errors and adverse drug events, and the factors contributing to medication errors in African hospitals. Methods We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Global Health databases from inception to 31 August, 2017 and hand searched the reference lists of included studies. Original research studies of any design published in English that investigated adverse drug events and/or medication errors in any patient population in the hospital setting in Africa were included. Descriptive statistics including median and interquartile range were presented. Results Fifty-one studies were included; of these, 33 focused on medication errors, 15 on adverse drug events, and three studies focused on medication errors and adverse drug events. These studies were conducted in nine (of the 54) African countries. In any patient population, the median (interquartile range) percentage of patients reported to have experienced any suspected adverse drug event at hospital admission was 8.4% (4.5–20.1%), while adverse drug events causing admission were reported in 2.8% (0.7–6.4%) of patients but it was reported that a median of 43.5% (20.0–47.0%) of the adverse drug events were deemed preventable. Similarly, the median mortality rate attributed to adverse drug events was reported to be 0.1% (interquartile range 0.0–0.3%). The most commonly reported types of medication errors were prescribing errors, occurring in a median of 57.4% (interquartile range 22.8–72.8%) of all prescriptions and a median of 15.5% (interquartile range 7.5–50.6%) of the prescriptions evaluated had dosing problems. Major contributing factors for medication errors reported in these studies were individual practitioner factors (e.g. fatigue and inadequate knowledge/training) and environmental factors, such as workplace distraction and high workload. Conclusion Medication errors in the African healthcare setting are relatively common, and the impact of adverse drug events is substantial but many are preventable. This review supports the design and implementation of preventative strategies targeting the most likely contributing factors. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40801-017-0125-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alemayehu B Mekonnen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, S114, Pharmacy Building A15, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Tariq M Alhawassi
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Medication Safety Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Andrew J McLachlan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, S114, Pharmacy Building A15, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jo-Anne E Brien
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, S114, Pharmacy Building A15, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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