UBC Graduate Research

Barriers to Canadian physicians reporting of adverse drug reactions Peterson, Linda N.; Peterson, Robert; Ho, Kendall; Olatunbosun, Tunde

Abstract

Background: Voluntary reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) by physicians and other healthcare professionals currently is the single most important source of information for early signal detection of ADRs. Despite the importance of ADR reporting, there is evidence that less than 10% of ADRs experienced by Canadians are reported to Health Canada and the factors contributing to this under-reporting are unclear. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to ascertain the barriers to reporting ADRs, including knowledge; attitudes and beliefs; and the accessibility of the reporting system as the first step in understanding the problem of underreporting of ADRs. In addition, information was collected about physician engagement in a dialogue about ADRs with their patients, and whether their office practice was structured to allow patient follow-up of an ADR. Methods: An online survey was administered to BC physicians in the spring of 2008. The survey was designed to obtain information in the following areas: knowledge of and attitudes toward ADRs; patient dialogue about ADRs and structure of the clinical practice; access to the report form, knowledge about if and what needs to be reported and educational support required for ADR reporting and appropriate utilization of new medications. Results: Eighty-seven physicians completed the survey, a response rate of 2%. There is a 95% level of certainty that the quantitative results provided in this survey are within a sampling margin of error of plus or minus 10.5%. Descriptive statistics were calculated and responses to some questions were analyzed using cross-tabulation by whether the physician had ever reported an ADR. A difference of p<0.05 was considered significant. The majority viewed the reporting of ADRs as a professional responsibility, discussed ADRs with their patients and structured their office practice to permit follow-up with suspected ADRs. However, 70% percent had never reported an ADR. Gaps in knowledge about adverse drug reactions and the subsequent reporting process were revealed. Participants indicated the need for decision-making support at the time an ADR is suspected and feedback on the reports they submit. Conclusion: The responses of this small and highly motivated subset of physicians, indicate that difficulties in the actual mechanism of reporting ADRs, rather than negative physician attitudes as suggested in the literature, may be an important first barrier to reporting.

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 Canada