Impact of educational intervention on knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacovigilance among nurses

Abstract

Introduction: Pharmacovigilance (PV) helps in gathering adverse drug reaction (ADR) data regarding drugs. However, underreporting of ADR is still very high among health-care professional due to lack of knowledge and awareness. Nurses can play a vital role in collection of ADR data. However, at present, we have little data about awareness of PV among nurses in India. This study was planned to know the level of knowledge, awareness, and practice of PV among nurses and subsequent change in these after educational intervention PV session. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire-based study among nursing staff of a Tertiary Health Care and Teaching Institute. Nursing staff was given pre-designed descriptive questionnaire. Participants were asked to fill knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questionnaire before and after interactive educational training program. The impact of the educational intervention was evaluated by comparing the pre- and post-intervention questionnaire using Fisher's exact test. Results: A total of 98 participants filled the questionnaires before and after the educational intervention. Educational program on PV was found to statistically increase the correct response regarding knowledge and positive attitudes toward various aspects of PV. Conclusion: The KAP of nurses increased after training program on PV. It increased their level of awareness about principles and techniques of PV. Such educational intervention if held regularly can help in long-term practice of PV.