IMPACT OF SERIES OF INTERVENTIONS ON CLINICIANS' AWARENESS ABOUT PHARMACOVIGILANCE SYSTEM IN WESTERN INDIA

Abstract

Objective: In order to improve the participation of health professionals in spontaneous reporting, it is necessary to design strategies that modify their knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) about pharmacovigilance.

Methods: Initially KAP about pharmacovigilance among consultants and residents was assessed using a pre-tested questionnaire and interventions carried out according to the need. Starting with an informative lecture with voluntary participation, we extended it to various interventions like targeting specific groups of participants, displaying   posters, distributing brochures, one to group communication , sending reminders as emails and  also educating patients by putting up charts. Post intervention KAP was measured by re-circulating the questionnaire. Influence of interventions on KAP of pharmacovigilance was analyzed using chi-square test.

Results: Pre-Intervention knowledge regarding pharmacovigilance was very low; particularly in residents than consultants (p<0.001).Though majority (98%) of the participants knew they could report ADRs, none of them had ever reported because of unawareness of reporting system. 96.4% participants wished to be trained for ADR reporting. Interventions significantly improved knowledge about ADR reporting system among them (p<0.0001). 34% Participants reported ADRs to the cell after getting sensitized by interventions (p<0.0001).

Conclusion: Overall effect of all the interventions was positive and successful in building up an ADR reporting system at the study site. Constant reminders to the doctors are needed for pharmacovigilance culture to persist and flourish in clinical settings.

 

 

Key Words : Pharmacovigilance, Clinicians , Awareness , Interventions , Influence