Published online Jul 16, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i20.4865
Peer-review started: February 21, 2023
First decision: April 10, 2023
Revised: May 1, 2023
Accepted: June 9, 2023
Article in press: June 9, 2023
Published online: July 16, 2023
Processing time: 140 Days and 11.5 Hours
The activities and scientific studies conducted to detect, evaluate, understand, or prevent adverse reactions and other drug-related problems constitute pharmacovigilance (PV). There are studies analysing the PV knowledge of healthcare professionals in Turkey and worldwide but more extensive research is required on this topic.
Due to their shared responsibility for PV applications, each healthcare professional must investigate PV with care. The knowledge, attitudes, and actions of healthcare personnel regarding PV can have an immediate effect on patient safety.
In order to assess the knowledge, experience, and perspectives of clinicians regarding PV and reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs), this study intended to administer a questionnaire to as many physicians from as many institutions as possible.
The study was analytical and cross-sectional. Using a questionnaire, data were collected. The questionnaire was emailed out. The survey was sent to 2030 physicians and 670 of them participated.
PV was correctly defined by 53.9% of participants according to the most accurate definition. The most significant objective of PV was correctly identified by 54.9% of participants. The PV knowledge of nonsurgical physicians was superior to that of surgeons. ADR reporting forms were filled out by 80.9% of physicians who encountered ADRs.
Insufficient PV knowledge was observed among physicians. The percentage of participants with a favourable attitude toward PV exceeded the percentage of those with a high level of knowledge. Although 50% of physicians had encountered ADRs, the rate of filling out the ADR reporting form was low. The proportion of individuals who received training on how to complete the ADR reporting form was also low.
The acquired data will be used to identify the problems of physicians in the field of PV, to enhance the current situation, and to serve as a basis for future research in this area.