AN IMPACT OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS ON REPORTING OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS

Patel SV, Desai CK, Patel PP, Dikshit RK

The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of educational interventions (IT) on adverse drug reaction reporting (AR). Randomly selected prescribers were assigned to group A (n= 84) or B (n= 85). Three months each of Pre (Pre- IP), Intervention – I (IP- I), IP- II and Post – IP were applied in sequence. IT included Pharmacovigilance Awareness Programme, posters, written and verbal reminders during IP-I & II. Inter-group and inter-phase change in the rate and quality of AR (score of 0-50) was estimated. Data was analyzed using Chi Square and Student’s “t” test. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Improvement in AR rate (154% increase) and quality (Pre- IP: 34; IP-I: 35.6; IP-II: 36.3) of ADR reports was observed during IP- II as compared to Pre- IP. Group A showed significant improvement in the rate (62.6%) and quality of reports as compared to group B during both IP- I & II (p<0.01). However, upon withdrawal of IT, the impact attenuated with time. A positive impact of IT on rate and quality of AR was observed, albeit temporarily. Hence, administration of IT on a regular basis is recommended for a sustainable impact.