Antionette Terblanche1,2, Johanna Catharina Meyer1, Brian Godman3,4,5, Robert Stanley Summers1. 1. a School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences , Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University , Pretoria , South Africa. 2. b Department of Pharmacy, Sebokeng Hospital Pharmacy , Sebokeng Hospital , Pretoria , South Africa. 3. c Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences , University of Strathclyde , Glasgow , United Kingdom. 4. d Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute , Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm , Sweden. 5. e Health Economics Centre , University of Liverpool Management School , Liverpool , UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can cause significant harm in patients; however, ADRs are under-reported in many countries, including South Africa, where evidence of a pharmacovigilance (PV) system to monitor and manage ADRs is a requirement for compliance with norms and standards for quality healthcare delivery. We conducted an analysis amongst health care professionals (HCPs) at Sebokeng Hospital to assess the situation there and make recommendations. METHODS: Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire, targeting all medical practitioners, nurses, pharmacists and pharmacist assistants in the hospital. Current procedures for reporting of ADRs were documented. Records were reviewed to determine the number of ADR reports submitted for the 18-month period prior to the study. Data were analysed with SAS. Ethical clearance was obtained. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 132 HCPs (nurses: 58.3%; medical practitioners: 23.5%; pharmacist assistants: 11.4%; pharmacists: 6.8%). The vast majority indicated ADR reporting is necessary (96.2%) and their professional obligation (89.4%). Only 18.9% were aware of an existing PV system in the hospital, 15.2% had an ADR form available and 18.9% knew to whom the form should be submitted. The vast majority had never reported an ADR, had never received training in PV, but wanted training on ADR reporting. Factors discouraging ADR reporting included not knowing how to report them (53.8%), lack of time (37.1%), additional work load (22.0%), uncertainty about the outcome of reporting (32.6%), and lack of confidence to discuss ADRs with colleagues (22.0%). Only 2.3% knew how many ADRs were reported, that ADRs are discussed by a committee (6.1%) and that internal feedback is received on reported ADRs (6.1%). CONCLUSION: There is an extensive need in Sebokeng Hospital for training on ADR reporting and implementation of systems to facilitate relevant processes; a need which may also exist in other public hospitals in South Africa.
OBJECTIVE: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can cause significant harm in patients; however, ADRs are under-reported in many countries, including South Africa, where evidence of a pharmacovigilance (PV) system to monitor and manage ADRs is a requirement for compliance with norms and standards for quality healthcare delivery. We conducted an analysis amongst health care professionals (HCPs) at Sebokeng Hospital to assess the situation there and make recommendations. METHODS: Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire, targeting all medical practitioners, nurses, pharmacists and pharmacist assistants in the hospital. Current procedures for reporting of ADRs were documented. Records were reviewed to determine the number of ADR reports submitted for the 18-month period prior to the study. Data were analysed with SAS. Ethical clearance was obtained. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 132 HCPs (nurses: 58.3%; medical practitioners: 23.5%; pharmacist assistants: 11.4%; pharmacists: 6.8%). The vast majority indicated ADR reporting is necessary (96.2%) and their professional obligation (89.4%). Only 18.9% were aware of an existing PV system in the hospital, 15.2% had an ADR form available and 18.9% knew to whom the form should be submitted. The vast majority had never reported an ADR, had never received training in PV, but wanted training on ADR reporting. Factors discouraging ADR reporting included not knowing how to report them (53.8%), lack of time (37.1%), additional work load (22.0%), uncertainty about the outcome of reporting (32.6%), and lack of confidence to discuss ADRs with colleagues (22.0%). Only 2.3% knew how many ADRs were reported, that ADRs are discussed by a committee (6.1%) and that internal feedback is received on reported ADRs (6.1%). CONCLUSION: There is an extensive need in Sebokeng Hospital for training on ADR reporting and implementation of systems to facilitate relevant processes; a need which may also exist in other public hospitals in South Africa.
Entities:
Keywords:
Pharmacovigilance; South Africa; adverse drug reactions; health care professionals; hospitals; training
Authors: Theophilus A Adegbuyi; Joseph O Fadare; Ebisola J Araromi; Abayomi O Sijuade; Iyanu Bankole; Ilesanmi K Fasuba; Rachel A Alabi Journal: Hosp Pharm Date: 2020-09-18