A study about the awareness and importance of pharmacovigilance among health professionals in a South Indian Tertiary Care Hospital: A prospective study

Drug safety is one of the least considered aspects of medicine in developing countries like India. Under-reporting of ADRs (Adverse Drug Reactions) is a major problem, affecting pharmacovigilance programme of India. Because of under reporting, Indian drug regulators are very much dependent on data and advice from other countries. The objective of the present study was to determine the level of awareness and attitude towards Pharmacovigilance among healthcare professionals and to monitor the extent of ADR reporting within the healthcare sector. The study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore considering 20 facts about awareness of Pharmacovigilance. A total number of 50 doctors, 50 nurses and 50 medical students (postgraduate doctors) were included in the study. Simple random sampling method was adopted to choose samples which include the collection of information through a structured close-ended questionnaire. Results were analyzed by using frequency and percentage. This study reveals that all the participants (100%) were aware of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reporting. 38 (76%) of the doctors, 41(82%) of the nurses and 29 (58%) of the medical students encountered ADRs in their working hospital. Out of all respondents 43 (86%) doctors, 46 (92%) nurses and 38 (76%) medical students responded that reporting adverse drug reaction is a professional obligation according to the healthcare profession. Out of all respondents, 23 (46%) doctors, 29 (58%) nurses and 30(60%) medical students responded that they are aware of the pharmacovigilance programme of India. 27 (54%) doctors, 21 (42%) nurses and 20 (40%) medical students mentioned as they are not aware about the pharmacovigilance programme. Majority of the respondents; 47 (94%) doctors, 49 (98%) nurses and 38 (76%) medical students responded with the opinion as reporting adverse drug reaction is necessary among health care professionals.