Knowledge and Attitude towards ADR Reporting among Tertiary Hospital Healthcare Professionals

Introduction: Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) pose a serious challenge to healthcare by increasing patient morbidity, prolonging hospital stays, and adding financial strain. Accurate ADR reporting, particularly in developing countries, is crucial for ensuring drug safety, yet underreporting remains prevalent due to limited awareness, training, and resources among healthcare professionals. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed healthcare professionals in a tertiary hospital in western Gujarat, aligned with the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India. Using a structured questionnaire covering knowledge and attitudes toward ADR reporting, data was collected from various departments to assess pharmacovigilance practices. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 22.1, and confidentiality was maintained throughout the study. Results: The survey included 244 healthcare professionals, primarily physicians (90.7%), with pharmacists comprising 9.3% of the sample. Findings showed that 48.4% of respondents had encountered an adverse drug reaction (ADR), yet only 44.3% reported these incidents to a pharmacovigilance center. While 60.2% received formal training on ADR reporting, only 27.9% reported receiving “drug alerts.” Adherence to ADR minimization guidelines was observed in 58.6% of participants, and 41.4% maintained records of ADRs encountered. Overall, the results highlight gaps in ADR reporting practices despite positive attitudes, with barriers such as limited training and lack of consistent access to drug safety information. Conclusion: Our study underscores the need for enhanced training and streamlined reporting systems to improve ADR reporting practices among healthcare professionals. Despite positive attitudes, limited knowledge and access to safety resources hinder consistent reporting, indicating areas for targeted intervention to strengthen pharmacovigilance.