HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS’ KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES TOWARDS PHARMACOVIGILANCE

Edita Alili - Idrizi, Sihana Ahmeti Lika, Merita Dauti, Lulzime Ballazhi, Flora Doko

Abstract

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are known to be associated with morbidity and mortality and are one of the crucial problems associated with medicines. The aim of the Pharmacovigilance system is at sensitizing the healthcare professionals in spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions in order to improve patient care and safety. Active participation of the healthcare professionals is an important chain in achieving success of a pharmacovigilance program. Therefore, the objective of our study was to evaluate knowledge and attitude of the healthcare professionals toward pharmacovigilance and their practice regarding ADR reporting (KAP). About 45.3% of the participants gave correct response regarding the definition of pharmacovigilance. 42.1% of healthcare professionals were aware regarding the existence of a National Pharmacovigilance Program in Macedonia. A major difference was noted between adverse drug reaction experienced (51.6%) and ADR-reported (14.7%). Less percentage of participants had ever been trained on reporting ADRs. There is positive correlation between training of pharmacovigilance and reporting ADR by healthcare professional. Healthcare professionals should consider ADRs reporting an immense responsibility and professional obligation as a prerequisite of an effective national drug safety monitoring. Continuous education trainings are more than needed, so the healthcare professionals in Tetovo can become powerful participants of ADR reporting system.

Pages: 23 - 30