Pharmacovigilance Practices, Educational Interventions and Barriers to Reporting in University and Teaching Hospitals: a Scoping Review

Abstract Background Pharmacovigilance (PV) is essential for detecting and preventing drug-related problems. University and teaching hospitals (UTHs) are strategic for PV as early adopters of complex therapies, requiring robust monitoring systems. Objective This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize PV practices, barriers to reporting, and the impact of educational interventions in university and teaching hospitals. Methods Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines and JBI methodology, a systematic search was conducted (Jan 2001–Jan 2024) across Academic Search Prime ASP (EBSCO), BDENF; CNAHL (EBSCO); EMBASE (Elservier); LILACS; Pubmed; SciELO; SCOPUS; Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics); Redalyc. Studies evaluating PV systems in UTHs were included. Two independent reviewers performed screening and data extraction. Results From 432 identified records, 24 studies met the eligibility criteria. The evidence was heavily skewed toward individual-level behavioral assessments, with 12 studies relying on non-standardized Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) questionnaires. True system-level evaluations were scarce (n=2) and characterized by the adaptation of international macro-indicators. Most studies relied on descriptive analyses focused narrowly on individual professional under-reporting behaviors, leaving the broader institutional dynamics, organizational safety culture, and the dual clinical-educational mission of university hospitals largely unmapped. Conclusions There is a critical lack of standardized and validated instruments for evaluating PV system in university hospitals. This gap hinders benchmarking and the generation of evidence for systemic improvements. Developing validated frameworks that integrate clinical safety with professional training is essential for enhancing PV practices in academic settings globally.