Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting: Attitudes and Perceptions of Medical Practitioners

Aim: To assess the attitudes and perceptions of medical practitioners towards adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting and factors that influence the reporting of ADR. Method: A suitable self-administered survey questionnaire was designed and randomly circulated to 110 doctors in three different hospitals where local hospital based ADR reporting system exist. Results: A total of 97 filled questionnaires were returned giving response rate of 88 percent. Ninety percent (n = 87) and 89% (n = 86) of the responders were aware of existence of ADR reporting and monitoring system in India and at their hospital respectively. Forty one percent (n = 40) and 64% (n = 62) of medical practitioners had reported suspected ADR to any of the pharmacovigilance centre located in India and at their hospital respectively. Ninety three percent (n = 90) of the responders opined that the existing ADR centre had created awareness and 98% (n = 95) of responders found the system is useful and benefiting the patients. Factors that encouraged ADR reporting were simple to operate and constant creation of awareness. Factors that discouraged ADR reporting were well-known reactions, mild reactions and immediate management of ADRs. Ninety five percent (n = 92) of responders opined that pharmacist’s assistance in detection, reporting, monitoring and management of adverse drug reactions is useful. Conclusion: Imparting knowledge and awareness of ADR reporting among medical practitioners would bring the reporting culture among medical practitioners and increase the reporting rates of ADR. Pharmacists have a greater role to play in the area of pharmacovigilance.