PNS98 A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF PHYSICIANS ABOUT PHARMACOVIGIILANCE ACTIVITIES IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Abstract

To explore the challenges related to knowledge, attitudes and practices of physicians regarding pharmacovigilance activities in Lahore, Pakistan. Qualitative interviews were conducted and a semi-structured interview guide was developed. Through convenience sampling technique 13 physicians were recruited to conduct interviews. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed for thematic content analysis. Thematic content analysis (TCA) yielded six major themes. (1) Knowledge about medication safety and adverse drug reaction (ADR) concept, (2) Knowledge about Pharmacovigilance activities, (3) Practices related to ADR reporting, (4) Barriers impeding ADR reporting (5) Acknowledgement of pharmacist’s role and (6) System change needs. Majority of the physicians were unaware of ADR reporting system and only a handful had the concept of ADR reporting. They were ready to accept practice change if provided with the required skills and training. Lack of personal knowledge, lack of time and interest, fear of legal liability, poor training, inadequate physician and other healthcare professionals’ communication and most importantly lack of a proper reporting system were reported as barriers towards the reporting of ADRs in hospital settings. The findings helped identifying a number of key themes that can be used to establish an effective pharmacovigilance system in Pakistan. Overall physicians reported a positive attitude towards practice change provided the administrative authorities support and take interest in this poorly acknowledged but most needed component of healthcare system.