Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding  Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring & Reporting Amongst Physicians in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Ahmedabad

Ronak Prajapati; Chandresh Dumatar; R.K. Dikshit

Volume : IV, Issue : IX, September - 2014

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring & Reporting Amongst Physicians in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Ahmedabad

Ronak Prajapati, Chandresh Dumatar, R. K. Dikshit

Abstract :

The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of physicians regarding pharmacovigilance and spontaneous reporting of ADR with a view to identify the reasons for under–reporting and the methods for its improvement. The study was a questionnaire based study involving physicians. The study was conducted at Civil Hospital Ahmedabad. We visited the physicians personally, distributed the questionnaire and collected the duly filled questionnaire on the same day. The questionnaire contained 14 questions, 5 to evaluate knowledge, 4 to assess their attitude and 5 to judge the practice regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting. Total 230 physicians were served the questionnaire but 207 physicians submitted the duly filled questionnaire ( response rate 90%). About 83% physicians were aware about the term “Pharmacovigilance”. About 48% physicians knew how to report ADRs. Only 11.1% physicians said that all ADRs should be reported while 55.5% physicians said only serious ADRs should be reported. About 44% physicians knew about existing setup of ADR reporting in this hospital and 34.7% physicians were aware about CDSCO program. Majority of the physicians (89.8%) thought that ADR monitoring should be made mandatory. Major reasons for not reporting ADR were–lack of availability of ADR forms (57.9%), lack of time (71.9%), doubtful diagnosis (30.4%) and fear of legal issues (20.3%). Majority of the physicians reported that they inform the patients about possible adverse effects of prescribed drugs. Almost all (95%) physicians asked and took feedback from patients after treatment. Half of the physicians had not filled ADR form during last 1 year. Despite good knowledge the rate of reporting ADRs was low among doctors. Active participation of physicians is a key to enhance the spontaneous reporting of ADR. To change the attitude and to improve participation of physicians in ADR reporting, educational measures like awareness programs, CMEs etc should be held at regular intervals.