Adverse drug event reporting and advanced-nursing practice

Adverse drug events are undesirable effects suspected of being caused by drugs. They account for 1.7-11% of all hospital admissions. Occurrence in hospitalized patients is 1-44%, yet less than 10% are reported to national agencies. Reporting can lead to regulatory action, including label changes and drug withdrawal. These actions result in increased public safety and decreased healthcare costs. Nurses account for less than 10% of reporters. Advanced practice nurses are in a key position to report; those with prescriptive authority have a public health responsibility to do so. Master's-level nursing programs in the US were surveyed. Results showed that about 75% of responding schools promoted awareness of reporting, but only about half taught how to report and what to report. Adverse drug event reporting is a significant professional issue that requires not only formal education but also ongoing education and support for advanced practice nurses and staff.