Publication:

Assessment of awareness towards pharmacovigilance programme of india and reporting of adverse drug reactions among nurses in a tertiary care hospital

Background The success of PvPI depends upon spontaneous reporting of ADRs by health care professionals especially nurses as they are usually first contact persons for patients in case of ADRs after use of medicines. Underreporting of ADRs due to inadequate reporting culture among health care professionals is the main hindrance in the path of this programme. So, to assess the awareness, attitude and practices of nurses regarding PvPI and ADR reporting this study was undertaken.

Methods It was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study in which 130 nurses responded. The 12-items questionnaire feedback form provided by Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) was used to assess the awareness of nurses towards pharmacovigilance programme and Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting practices.

Results After analysing the questionnaire, it was observed that, despite satisfactory level of awareness and interest of the nurses to participate in this programme, still there is meagre ADR reporting practices among the nurses.

Conclusions Lack of reporting culture and improper communication is the root of problem which should be overcome in future by proper training for patient safety.