Attitudes of hospital pharmacists to adverse drug reactions and the “yellow card” scheme: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objective To elicit the views of hospital pharmacists towards adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting. Method Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted on a face to face basis using a prepiloted questionnaire. Analysis was carried out using Winmax Pro, content analysis and comparison of interpretation by two independent reviewers. Setting All major hospitals in one Committee on Safety of Medicines/Medicines Control Agency (CSM/MCA) regional monitoring centre in England. Key findings It was considered that introduction of reporting had been poorly publicised and promoted. Only 42 per cent of those interviewed had submitted more than one “yellow card” report and a similar percentage had reported none. The CSM/MCA has a poor image in terms of accessibility and its perceived opinion of pharmacists' role in reporting. Feedback from the CSM/MCA was satisfactory and Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance was highly regarded. Several factors appear to be dissuading pharmacists from participation in the scheme, including lack of clinical knowledge, pressure of work and a lack of time. The absence of a fee did not appear to be a deterrent to reporting; in fact, a fee was considered inappropriate. Initial schemes for education and training were perceived as having been successful. However, ongoing training needs had not been fully addressed. Conclusion While hospitals pharmacists acknowledge ADR reporting as part of their professional role, it is not yet considered as part of their daily practice and requires more vigorous promotion. Further investigation and quantitative work are required to investigate fully this aspect of pharmacy practice.