Pharmacovigilance: pharmacists’ perspective on spontaneous adverse drug reaction reporting

Abstract

Muhammad Abdul Hadi,1 Chin Fen Neoh,2 Rosdi M Zin,3 Mahmoud E Elrggal,4 Ejaz Cheema4 1School of Healthcare, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; 2Collaborative Drug Discovery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Salangor, 3Pharmacy Department, Malacca Hospital, Malacca, Malaysia; 4Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia Abstract: Globally, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, will continue to pose a threat to public health as long as drugs are being used to treat various ailments. Prompt ADR reporting is crucial in ensuring drug safety. The aim of this narrative review was to highlight the role of pharmacists in pharmacovigilance and to identify barriers and facilitators toward ADR reporting documented in the literature. The perspective of pharmacy students on pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting has also been discussed with an aim to highlight the need to improve content related to ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance in undergraduate pharmacy curriculum. Globally, although the role of pharmacists within national pharmacovigilance systems varies, it is very well recognized. In general, pharmacists acknowledge that ADR reporting is part of their professional responsibility and have a positive attitude toward reporting ADRs. However, current research evidence suggests that there are still critical knowledge gaps with regard to ADR reporting among pharmacists, especially in countries where the role of pharmacists within the health care system is limited. These knowledge gaps can be fulfilled through continuous professional development programs and reinforcing theoretical and practical knowledge in undergraduate pharmacy curriculums. Without adequately identifying and fulfilling training needs of pharmacists and other health care professionals, the efficiency of national pharmacovigilance systems is unlikely to improve which may compromise patient’s safety. Keywords: pharmacist, adverse drug reaction, pharmacovigilance, patient safety

Keywords

• Pharmacist
• Adverse drug reaction
• Pharmacovigilance
• Patient safety