Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Community Pharmacists towards Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting

Background: Spontaneous reporting systems (SRSs) play an important role in identifying adverse drug reactions. In most of the developed countries, community pharmacists contribute to the pharmacovigilance system to a greater deal. Objectives: Present investigation is designed to evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacists’ educational intervention on ADRs and pharmacovigilance program of India (PvPI) among community pharmacists in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Methods: It was a single group, pre - post interventional trial. A ‘KAP’ questionnaire regarding ADRs in accordance with the PvPI was prepared and validated by experts. The initial phase of survey was conducted by approaching the community pharmacists at their premises. A total of 58 practicing community pharmacists in Anantapur district of south India were included in the study. All the participated community pharmacists were invited for an education session with an aim to improve ADR reporting and to make aware of PvPI. Results: After the educational intervention, a significant improvement in knowledge, attitude and practice towards ADRs identification and reporting and PvPI among the study participants was evident. In addition, age and educational level were impactful on KAP of community pharmacists for the same. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to offer continuous educational programs and hands-on training for spontaneous reporting of ADRs until we reach the point that voluntary reporting of ADRs becomes accessible and habitual among the community pharmacists.