Evaluation of a training course on pharmacovigilance in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Purpose - To evaluate the impact of a sub-regional training course in pharmacovigilance on participants' attitudes to ADR reporting, and self-reported application of knowledge gained. Method - The study involved a cross-sectional survey during a sub-regional pharmacovigilance training course in Zimbabwe. Eighteen participants from 10 African countries attended and were asked to complete self-administered pre-course and post-course questionnaires. A follow-up questionnaire was also posted to each participant 2 months after the workshop. Results - After the course, there was a marked difference in the perceived factors discouraging a participant from reporting an ADR with only a few respondents unsure how to report ADRs or worried about confidentiality and legal issues. Only 5.4% of responses were inappropriate after the training when asked what should be reported to a voluntary ADR reporting scheme compared to 19.8% before the course. Half of the respondents to the follow-up questionnaire expected a pharmacovigilance centre to be established in their countries as a result of the training. Conclusion - The training course had a positive effect on attitudes and knowledge of pharmacovigilance and may lead to establishment of pharmacovigilance centres in some of the participating countries. There would be value in holding more of these workshops within the region. Copyright (c) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.