Adverse drug event reporting by pharmacists: a systematic literature review

Background Adverse drug event (ADE) reporting enhances early detection of risks associated with drug use. Pharmacists are uniquely suited to detect and report ADEs, but their contribution is diminished by under-reporting. Objectives To assess pharmacists' knowledge and perceptions towards ADE reporting and to determine factors that improve or impede reporting using data from published survey articles using PRISMA. Methods A systematic review was conducted to identify published survey articles that assess pharmacists' knowledge of and attitudes towards ADE reporting. PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science databases were searched. The following information was extracted from eligible articles: demographic factors, sample size, response rate, survey delivery, pharmacists' working setting, barriers and facilitators of ADE reporting. Results Only 68 survey articles were eligible to be included in the review (out of 820). The number of respondents ranges from 10 to 1870, and response rate varied between 10.5% and 100%. Pharmacists working in hospital settings and clinical pharmacists were more likely to report, to have better knowledge, favourable attitudes and familiarity with ADE reporting systems compared to pharmacists working in community settings. The main barrier towards reporting (recorded in >70% of the studies) was lack of confidence/basic knowledge of pharmacovigilance systems/concepts and ADE reporting process. Providing special training and education programmes related to pharmacovigilance concept was the most commonly mentioned factor to enhance reporting. Conclusion To improve ADE reporting by pharmacists, it is recommended to design and integrate educational interventions related to pharmacovigilance within the pharmacy curriculum or continuous education courses.