A nationwide survey of methods and barriers to adverse drug reaction monitoring and reporting among hospital pharmacists in Thailand.

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the methods of adverse drug reaction identification and monitoring used by hospital pharmacists in all regions of Thailand, to explore barriers to and pharmacists' attitudes towards adverse drug reaction monitoring and reporting, and to assess the factors related to these aspects.

Methods: Pharmacists in 480 hospitals in Thailand were selected by stratified sampling. Self-administered questionnaires were sent by post and pharmacists returned completed questionnaires via QR code.

Key findings: In total, pharmacists at 286 hospitals returned the questionnaire (response rate = 59.6%). The most common adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring methods were the spontaneous reporting system (SRS), which was used by 100% of respondents, followed by high alert drug lists (73.1%) and routine adverse drug reaction monitoring (64.0%). The most frequently used methods of adverse drug reaction prevention were providing drug allergy card and recording allergy history in database. The major barrier to adverse drug reaction monitoring and reporting among respondents was uncertainty about whether the suspected drug caused the reaction (49.3%). Pharmacists had a good attitude towards adverse drug reaction monitoring and reporting (60.5%). Longer work experience (≥10 years) was negatively related with good attitudes towards adverse drug reaction monitoring and reporting (OR = 0.535, P = 0.040), whereas higher education level was positively related (OR = 2.201, P = 0.025).

Conclusions: Spontaneous reporting system is the main method used for adverse drug reaction monitoring and reporting among hospital pharmacists in Thailand. Pharmacists had good attitudes towards adverse drug reaction monitoring and reporting, however, barriers remain.