OBJECTIVES: This study assesses the ability of Pharmacovigilance Centres (PVCs) to detect medication errors (ME) and to proceed to building Patient Safety (PS) via their information networks and to underline the limits for this challenge. METHODS: This was an exploratory study conducted in PVCs members of the World Health Organization International Drug Monitoring network. A questionnaire specifically designed for the needs of the study was sent to a network via a confidential email system. The questionnaire asked for information, progress and improvement made by PVCs in PS and ME. RESULTS: Among the 88 countries, 21 answered. Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) by health care professionals (HCP) is mandatory for 42% of PVCs. 100% of countries receive reports from HCP, 66% from patients and 24% from PCCs. ADRs reports are received by all communications means. There is an heterogeneity between countries regarding PVCs and PS activities. Among them, 4 PVCs have the prime activity of PS organization. CONCLUSION: PVCs are able to detect and analyze ME. There is a need to coordinate efforts between countries to optimize ME detection, and its analysis. Bridges need to be built linking PVCs, PCCs and PS organizations in order to avoid duplication of workload.
OBJECTIVES: This study assesses the ability of Pharmacovigilance Centres (PVCs) to detect medication errors (ME) and to proceed to building Patient Safety (PS) via their information networks and to underline the limits for this challenge. METHODS: This was an exploratory study conducted in PVCs members of the World Health Organization International Drug Monitoring network. A questionnaire specifically designed for the needs of the study was sent to a network via a confidential email system. The questionnaire asked for information, progress and improvement made by PVCs in PS and ME. RESULTS: Among the 88 countries, 21 answered. Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) by health care professionals (HCP) is mandatory for 42% of PVCs. 100% of countries receive reports from HCP, 66% from patients and 24% from PCCs. ADRs reports are received by all communications means. There is an heterogeneity between countries regarding PVCs and PS activities. Among them, 4 PVCs have the prime activity of PS organization. CONCLUSION: PVCs are able to detect and analyze ME. There is a need to coordinate efforts between countries to optimize ME detection, and its analysis. Bridges need to be built linking PVCs, PCCs and PS organizations in order to avoid duplication of workload.