Impact of training on Nigerian healthcare professionals' knowledge and practice of pharmacovigilance
Authors: Osakwe, Adeline | Oreagba, Ibrahim | Adewunmi, Adebowale J. | Adekoya, Abisola | Fajolu, Iretiola
Article Type: Research Article
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. Show more
Keywords: Pharmacovigilance, adverse drug reaction, knowledge and practice, spontaneous reporting, health care practitioner
DOI: 10.3233/JRS-130605
Citation: International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 219-227, 2013
Authors: Ogunleye, Olayinka O. | Oreagba, Ibrahim A. | Falade, Catherine | Isah, Ambrose | Enwere, Okezie | Olayemi, Sunday | Ogundele, Sunday O. | Obiako, Reginald | Odesanya, Rachel | Bassi, Peter | Obodo, John | Kilani, Jelili | Ekoja, Mathew
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Medication errors are preventable causes of patient harm with significant contributions to adverse drug events but they remain understudied in Nigeria. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of self-reported medication errors among health professionals and examine their knowledge of medication errors with the hope of identifying appropriate measures to promote medication safety. METHODS: A cross sectional survey among doctors, pharmacists and nurses in 10 tertiary hospitals. Information was obtained using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Correct responses evaluating the knowledge of prescription, dispensing and administration errors were scored one mark each and the composite scores computed. Appropriate statistics were applied to …summarize and establish the relationship between variables at 5% level of significance using SPSS 17.0. RESULTS: A total of 2,386 professionals participated in the study (46.3% nurses, 44.9% doctors, 8.8% pharmacists).The prevalence of self-reported medication errors was 47%. The professional groups differ in their knowledge of all the aspects of medication errors with professional cadres influencing knowledge. Overwork was the most reason for being error prone (59.2%) and only 35.5% had ever reported medication error. 33.4% did not think reporting was necessary. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of medication errors is high among health care professionals in Nigeria. Knowledge gaps and practice deficiencies were identified requiring interventions. Show more
Keywords: Medication errors, health professionals, Nigeria
DOI: 10.3233/JRS-160721
Citation: International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 77-91, 2016