Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting System: Perceptions and Awareness of Community Pharmacists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Community pharmacists are most accessible to patients. Hence they have crucial role in ensuring drug safety by detecting and reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Here we analyze community pharmacists' knowledge and perceived barriers to adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting systems in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was performed between June 1st and September 15th 2017, including community pharmacies in Jeddah. A total of 202 community pharmacists were surveyed via a cluster sampling method. A self-administered, 34-item questionnaire was undertaken. The survey response rate was 71.43% (144 responses). Regarding knowledge of ADRs, very few (4.8%) pharmacists did not distinguish between the correct and incorrect definitions of what an ADR was. One-hundred- fourteen pharmacists (56.4%) were unaware of the existence of ADR reporting system in Saudi Arabia. The critical barrier to ADR reporting was a deficient professional environment. In conclusion, more than half of the community pharmacists were unaware of the existence or importance of the ADR reporting system in Saudi Arabia. Establishing a user-friendly system that incorporates the system of community pharmacies with Saudi Vigilance will enhance the reporting process.