Knowledge of and attitudes about adverse drug reaction reporting among Rhode Island pharmacists

To survey pharmacists' knowledge of the adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting process, as well as the nature and seriousness of ADRs observed by pharmacists, and to determine how pharmacists perceive their role in monitoring and reporting suspected reactions.

A survey was mailed to 793 Rhode Island pharmacists with a 40% (318) response rate.

Two hundred and thirty-five surveys were reviewed for final analysis. Pharmacists in retail settings were more likely than hospital pharmacists to be aware of ADRs relating to therapeutic inequivalence and over-the-counter products, and more likely to ask the patient about ADRs (40% vs 16%). Hospital pharmacists were more likely to receive ADR information from physicians (40% vs 15%). Almost all pharmacists (97%) believed that action should be taken when a serious ADR is suspected. Younger pharmacists (< 45 y) were more willing to contact the physician and refer the patient to medical attention.

Our results show that fewer than half of the respondents (41%) claimed to have observed a serious ADR (potentially life-threatening or requiring hospitalization), although almost all (97%) believed that pharmacists should take some action when a serious ADR is suspected. The influence of the practice setting, the number of years in practice, and the number of hours worked per week influenced the reporting practices and attitudes.