Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pharmacovigilance among Medical Interns and Medical Post Graduates in Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Pharmacovigilance is defined by the European Commission (EU) as the “Process and science of monitoring the safety of medicines and taking action to reduce the risks and increase the benefits of medicine”. The purpose of this study is to evaluate medical interns and medical post graduate students’ current pharmacovigilance knowledge, attitudes, and practices at tertiary care hospitals.Materials and Methods: A Cross-sectional questionnaire- based survey was employed and a convenience sampling was opted to collect the data among Medical Interns and Medical PG in tertiary care hospital from December 2022 to July 2023.Results: The study evaluated the understanding and attitude of Medical Interns and Medical PGs students towards pharmacovigilance. The majority of participants correctly comprehended the study's objectives, India's regulatory body, and the newly banned medications, which were statistically significant. In terms of attitude, most participants agreed on the importance of reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR), which was statistically significant. Regarding the practice of pharmacovigilance, participants agreed to experience ADR in patients, see the ADR Reporting Form, and keep records of ADR, all of which were statistically significant. However, certain aspects such as the definition, methods, international monitoring center, suspected ADR system, training on reporting ADR, and willingness to report ADR were not statistically significant. Overall, the study suggests a fair knowledge among the participants regarding pharmacovigilance.Conclusion: This study determined the Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and practice of Pharmacovigilance among Medical Interns and Medical Post Graduates in a tertiary care hospital. According to the current study, the majority of Medical Interns and Medical Post Graduates were knowledgeable and supportive of pharmacovigilance, however they are not as effective in practice. In view of the previously stated, actions are required to instruct, empower, and train Medical Interns and Medical Post Graduates in the field of pharmacovigilance.

Keywords: Medical Interns; Medical PG; Adverse drug reaction reporting; Pharmacovigilance center.