Impact of training on Nigerian healthcare professionals' knowledge and practice of pharmacovigilance
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2013
Authors
Osakwe, A.
Oreagba, I.
Adewunmi, A.J.
Adekoya, A.
Fajolu, I.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IOS Press
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Pharmacovigilance is the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other possible drug related problem.. The effectiveness of this system revolves on the active participation of the healthcare practitioners. Poor knowledge and practice of pharmacovigilance has necessitated training of healthcare professionals in different parts of Nigeria.
OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this study are to determine the knowledge and practice of pharmacovigilance amongst health professionals in Nigeria and the impact of previous training in pharmacovigilance on their knowledge and practice.
METHODS:
In this descriptive cross sectional study, purposive and systematic random sampling method was used in selecting health facilities and health care practitioners respectively. Data were collected using a three-part peer-reviewed structured questionnaire administered through electronic mail (25) and self administration by healthcare professionals (316).
RESULTS:
Respondents who had received training on pharmacovigilance had better knowledge of correct definition of pharmacovigilance (P = 0.001) and better theoretical knowledge and practice scores of pharmacovigilance (P = 0.001). Receiving quarterly newsletters was not significantly associated (p = 0.220) with improved knowledge of pharmacovigilance. Overall, knowledge and practice of pharmacovigilance in Nigeria was still below average. The main challenges faced in the reporting and detecting of ADR were lack of awareness, poor communication, lack of continuity in training and poor funding.
CONCLUSION:
Although training was associated with improved knowledge and practice of pharmacovigilance amongst the health care providers studied, its overall impact was mild. Strengthened awareness creation and innovations in PV training methods are necessary to improve the efficiency of the program.
Description
Keywords
Pharmacovigilance , Adverse drug reaction , Knowledge and practice , Spontaneous reporting , Health care practitioner
Citation
Osakwe A, Oreagba I, Adewunmi AJ, Adekoya A, Fajolu I. Impact of training on Nigerian healthcare professionals' knowledge and practice of pharmacovigilance. Int J Risk Saf Med. 2013;25(4):219-27.