THE high accessibility of community pharmacists in Australia means they are ideally placed to document adverse drug reactions (ADRs) - but a lack of time, the complexity of the reporting process and insufficient training means under-reporting is "highly prevalent" according to a new University of Tasmania study published last Fri.
The International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy research paper reports the results of a survey of 232 community pharmacists from Qld, NSW, Vic and Tas which aimed to measure their knowledge and perspectives towards ADR reporting.
Less than a third of respondents (31%) reported sufficient knowledge and training on ADR reporting, and only 35% of those polled had reported at least one ADR to the Therapeutic Goods Administration during the previous 12 month period.
Those who didn't report ADRs were more likely to cite a lack of time as a barrier, while a significant number said they were more likely to report events if the practice was remunerated.
The study authors concluded that the ADR reporting rate by community pharmacists in Australia is low, "even though the vast majority believe they have a professional obligation to report.
"The most significant barrier to reporting ADRs is lack of time, and this can be addressed by simplifying the current reporting procedures."
The outcome was reinforced by the fact that the number of hours worked per week by community pharmacists was a significant predictor of their rate of ADR reporting.
The full paper is accessible online by CLICKING HERE.
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