Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-10 | Issue-07 | 517-524
Original Research Article
Enhancing Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting in Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia: An Evaluation of Methods and Strategies
Hamdah Hameed Al Enazi, Yasmin Abdul-Jabbar Barnawi, Bedor Abdullahal Omari, Wafaa Ahmed Al Fahad, Mahdi Al Onazi
Published : July 29, 2024
Abstract
Inadequate reporting of Adverse drug reactions (ADR) is a rampant phenomenon and undermines the hazards associated with it. With appropriate interventions, improved ADR reporting can prevent such untoward medicinal events. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of diverse interventions in improving ADR reporting in Prince Sultan Medical Military City (PSMMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: An interventional study was conducted among nurses and pharmacists in PSMMC, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January to December 2022. The study interventions included continuous training and education, technology function (trigger tool), patient interviews, and introduction of ADR reporting in annual performance evaluation with weekly feedback reports. A segmented regression analysis of an interrupted time series (12 observation points) established variation in average monthly ADR reporting between the first and second half of 2022. Results: The study yielded significant results, with 20,942 ADR reported between January 2022 and December 2022. The highest number of ADRs was documented in the second half of 2022 (n=14,555, 69.5%). After the interventions, the average number of reports per month increased by 35.8%. Cumulatively, a statistically significant difference was noted in the ADR reporting rate before and after interventions (30.4% versus 59.6%, P < 0.0001). The most effective intervention was an annual performance evaluation with weekly feedback reports. Most ADRs reported in 2022 were by pharmacists (76.1%). Conclusion: In conclusion, all interventions were found to improve the dynamics of pharmacovigilance by enhancing ADR reporting among nurses and pharmacists, with annual performance evaluation with weekly feedback reports being the ideal intervention.