Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
12:18
A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
The involvement of Pharmacovigilance Centres in medication errors detection: a questionnaire-based analysis
Ghita Benabdallah1, Raja Benkirane, Asmae Khattabi
1Moroccan Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Centre, Rabat, Morocco. ritabenabdallah@gmail.com
The International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine
|April 22, 2011
Summary
Pharmacovigilance Centres (PVCs) can detect medication errors (ME), but international collaboration is needed to optimize detection and analysis. Building connections between PVCs, Patient Care Centres (PCCs), and Patient Safety (PS) organizations is crucial to avoid duplicated efforts.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacovigilance and Patient Safety
- Drug Safety Monitoring
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- Pharmacovigilance Centres (PVCs) play a role in detecting medication errors (ME) and enhancing Patient Safety (PS).
- The effectiveness of PVCs in these roles and their limitations require further assessment.
- Understanding the current landscape of PVC activities in ME detection and PS is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the capacity of Pharmacovigilance Centres (PVCs) to detect medication errors (ME).
- To assess the contribution of PVCs to building Patient Safety (PS) through their information networks.
- To identify the challenges and limitations faced by PVCs in these endeavors.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory study was conducted involving PVCs within the World Health Organization International Drug Monitoring network.
- A custom-designed questionnaire was distributed via a confidential email system to gather data on PVC activities.
- The questionnaire focused on progress and improvements in Patient Safety (PS) and Medication Error (ME) detection and reporting.
Main Results:
- A low response rate was observed, with 21 out of 88 countries participating.
- Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) is mandatory in 42% of PVCs, with all receiving reports from healthcare professionals (HCPs).
- Reports are received from patients (66%) and Patient Care Centres (PCCs) (24%), utilizing diverse communication channels, indicating heterogeneity in PVC and PS activities.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacovigilance Centres (PVCs) demonstrate an ability to detect and analyze medication errors (ME).
- There is a clear need for enhanced international coordination to optimize ME detection and analysis.
- Establishing stronger links between PVCs, PCCs, and PS organizations is vital to prevent redundant efforts and improve overall patient safety.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Pharmacovigilance
Post-marketing surveillance is a critical component of pharmaceutical regulation, often uncovering unanticipated adverse drug reactions (ADRs) once a drug is widely used over an extended period.
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
01:26Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
Pharmaceutical poisoning can occur through various channels, impacting an estimated 2 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. annually with serious adverse drug responses. These scenarios encompass both therapeutic uses, such as drug toxicity, where even standard dosages can lead to severe central nervous system depression, and non-therapeutic exposures, including accidental ingestion by children, and environmental and occupational exposures.Unintentional poisonings often involve exploratory...
01:25Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial clinical procedure in diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions. Despite its significance, the accuracy of blood pressure measurements can be compromised by multiple factors, potentially leading to either falsely high or low readings. These inaccuracies are critical as they can significantly impact patient care. So, it is vital to understand these challenges deeply and adopt strategic approaches to minimize errors.
Several factors...
Several factors...
01:29Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is the clinical practice of measuring specific drug levels in a patient's blood or body tissues to manage and optimize therapy. TDM is crucial for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows, like warfarin and phenytoin, where incorrect doses can lead to treatment failure or severe side effects. This monitoring ensures the dosage administered is within a safe and effective range. The factors affecting therapeutic drug monitoring include:Patient-Specific Factors:a.
01:23Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Biopharmaceutical studies constitute a vital field aiming to enhance drug delivery methods and refine therapeutic approaches, drawing upon diverse interdisciplinary knowledge. In research methodologies, the choice between controlled and non-controlled studies significantly influences the study's reliability and accuracy.
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...
01:26Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Drug Analysis Methods
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is a clinical practice that measures specific drug levels in a patient's blood or body tissues to tailor drug therapy effectively. This monitoring is critical for managing drugs with narrow therapeutic indices like digoxin and phenytoin, ensuring they are both safe and effective. For instance, monitoring theophylline levels in asthma patients involves precision and sensitivity to adjust doses according to individual responses to therapy, ensuring efficacy and...