Paper Title
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES AMONG NURSES TOWARDS PHARMACOVIGILANCE PROGRAMME OF INDIA AND REPORTING OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN INDIA

Abstract
Abstract - Spontaneous reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) is essential for the success of Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI). Nurses usually being the first contact person for patients in hospital setting, play an important role in reporting ADRs. The major obstacle for PvPI is inadequate and improper reporting of ADRs by health care professionals including nurses. So, the present study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices among nurses towards PvPI and reporting of ADRs. This is a questionnaire based cross sectional study. A total of 120 nurses who were working in a tertiary care hospital were included in the study. Questionnaire to assess their knowledge, attitude and practices towards Pharmacovigilance Program of India and reporting of adverse drug reactions were distributed. After receiving the response, the data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics using SPSS software. On evaluation of the questionnaire feedback forms for knowledge, attitude and practices of nurses towards PvPI, it was found that despite satisfactory level of knowledge and positive attitude of nurses, the ADR reporting practices among them was inadequate and it needs to be enhanced. It is necessary to develop an ADR reporting culture among nurses by increasing awareness and proper communication for an effective Pharmacovigilance system. Keywords - Adverse Drug Reactions, PvPI, Pharmacovigilance