Practice, knowledge and attitude of physicians and pharmacists towards the spontaneous reporting system of adverse drug reactions in Switzerland

INTRODUCTION: Reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is essential for detecting drug risks. Despite legal obligations in Switzerland, underreporting remains an issue. This study assessed practice, knowledge and attitudes towards the spontaneous ADR reporting system among physicians and pharmacists. METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was disseminated via professional associations to physicians and pharmacists in Switzerland. The 21-item questionnaire assessed reporting practice, knowledge, attitudes, information needs and improvement suggestions. Multivariable regression (odds ratios [ORs], 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]) examined associations between participant characteristics and reporting habits. RESULTS: A total of 1108 participants (834 physicians, 274 pharmacists) were included. ADRs had been suspected by 589 (53.2%), and 562 (50.7%) had reported ≥1 ADR. Most participants rejected the notion that reporting is pointless (999, 90.2%). Although 716 (64.6%) were aware of reporting obligations, 477 (43.1%) perceived reporting as time-consuming and 270 (24.4%) reported legal concerns. About half indicated no lack of incentives (587, 53.0%) and no concerns regarding personal (580, 52.3%) or patient data protection (545, 49.2%). More than half desired clearer guidance on reportable ADRs (609, 55.0%) and 648 (58.5%) expressed interest in pharmacovigilance training. Reporting ADRs was independently associated with increasing age and training (ORs between 1.28 [95% CI: 1.15, 1.42] and 1.92 [1.32, 2.79]), whereas investing >10 min in reporting was associated with age ≥60 (OR 1.59 [1.07, 2.38]), training (OR 1.28 [1.14, 1.45]) and pharmacist status (OR 1.83 [1.34, 2.51]). CONCLUSION: The fundamental willingness to report ADRs despite a simultaneous lack of specific knowledge indicates a need for targeted information campaigns and training opportunities.