Efficacy of Trigger Tool in Identification of Suspected ADR in Secondary Hospital in Cape Verde

Abstract

Background: Adverse drug events (ADEs) are a major health and economic problem. There is no information regarding incidence of ADEs in Cabo Verde and trigger tools are an efficient active data collection method. Objective: To identify efficacy of the trigger tool in identification of suspected ADRs. Method: The Global Trigger Tool (GTT) developed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) was used for a retrospective review of medical records. The ADE trigger tool included 21 triggers. 383 records were randomly selected, 190 in a first period and 194 in second period. Hospitalization for less than 48h, time spent in intensive care unit and lack of drug administration records was excluded. Results: 287 triggers and 182 ADEs were found. Medical records with at least one trigger were 67.7% and 42.7%, respectively. In the same periods, 28.4% and 19.6% of total patients presented at least one ADE but it was 50% and 67.9% when calculating for the records with a trigger. In both periods, most common and robust trigger was nurse description. The least robust were abrupt medication stop and use of antiemetic drug. Conclusion: The trigger tool had a good performance detecting ADE. The GTT is not feasible as routine PV method but an option to complement spontaneous notification. Further studies are needed using prospective method and extended period.