Assessment of knowledge and reporting of adverse drug reaction in resident doctors in a teaching hospital in North India

Abstract

Background: This study was done to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of residents towards pharmacovigilance in a teaching hospital in North India.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital, Pathankot (CMC&H). A questionnaire containing 17 questions was distributed to 80 residents of CMC&H, Pathankot. This study was conducted over a period of 3 months from July to September, 2017.Results: 64 out of the 80 residents (80%) responded to questionnaire. Among the respondents, 6% did not know the term adverse drug reaction (ADR) and almost 18% did not witness any ADR during clinical practice. Among those who witnessed ADRs nearly 25% could not ascertain the type of ADR. Those who ascertained ADRs claimed that upto 60% suspected ADRs required short hospitalisation. 6% residents did not consider ADRs avoidable and almost 25% residents did not consider ADRs predictable. 37% residents did not report the ADRs to anyone and nearly 43% did not know whom to report the ADRs. More than 18% claimed that they were not taught about PV in undergraduate curricular practical training teaching. Up to 31% residents claimed that nobody ever discussed with them about ADR reporting during internship.Conclusions: According to this study, residents lack adequate knowledge and practice of reporting ADRs. This study suggests a greater need to create awareness amongst them to promote reporting of ADRs. This study also suggests that incorporation of Pharmacovigilance in medical curriculum will strengthen pharmacovigilance activity.