Implementing a Hospital-Based Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Program

Abstract

All hospitals should have a formal adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting program in place in order to meet their professional obligation as members of the health care community and to help ensure quality of care within their institution. Although ADR reporting is the responsibility of all health professionals, in actuality it belongs to the hospital pharmacy department. Implementation of an ADR reporting program is similar to that of other quality assurance programs in that it needs to be tailored to the needs and resources of the individual hospital. However, the following steps are integral to any ADR reporting program: defining ADRs ; developing mechanisms for the identification and investigation of ADRs ; designing means for maintaining the program: and designating personnel to carry out the program. This article will discuss each of these steps and make suggestions to assist readers in implementing an ADR reporting program in their hospitals.

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