Active Monitoring of Adverse Drug Reactions with Neural Network Technology

IntRoductIon An adverse drug reaction (ADR) is unintended injuries caused by the drug at normal doses during normal use.[1] ADR monitoring is a long‐term work of medical institutions. Medical institutions at all levels have their corresponding requirements of reporting ADRs.[1] On December 12, 2010, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People’s Republic of China issued the “Administration of adverse drug reaction report and monitoring”. The aims were to enhance drug postmarketing surveillance, standardize ADR monitoring and reporting, and control drug risks in a timely and effective manner to ensure the safety of patients. It was suggested that local pharmaceutical supervisory and administrative departments should establish an ADR monitoring institution responsible for timely ADR reporting and monitoring within their respective administrative areas.[2] Currently, there are three main methods used to monitor ADRs namely regular review, patient follow‐up, and spontaneous reporting which is widely used in local hospitals. However, due to the lack of incentives for local medical staff in reporting ADRs and shortage of personnel in pharmacy departments monitoring ADRs, the most critical step in the reporting and monitoring system does not work effectively. Thus, problems have emerged that ADR monitoring is not timely, accurate and comprehensive, which posts a direct threat to people’s health.[2]