A qualitative study exploring barriers and facilitators for reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among community pharmacists in Malaysia

Objective The objective of this study was to ascertain the perception of practising community pharmacists (CPs) towards adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reporting and to identify the problems with the current system in place for ADR reporting in Malaysia. Methods A qualitative study utilizing face-to-face interviews was carried out with a sample of 16 CPs, aged 24-38 years old, all living in Penang, Malaysia. The transcripts of all the interviews were generated from audio tapes and were analysed for issues and themes emerging from the text which was independently coded and verified by two researchers. Key findings A total of 16 CPs were interviewed and analysis of the interviews revealed three major themes: familiarity with the ADR reporting process, attitudes and behaviours of the CPs towardsADR reporting, and barriers associated withADR reporting. In terms of the familiarity with the pharmacovigilance system and ADR reporting, the majority of the pharmacists were not aware that the pharmacovigilance system was already in place in Malaysia. The majority of the CPs had a positive attitude and behaviour towards their role in ADR reporting and the main reason given for this was that reporting of ADRs was seen as one of their core duties. The major barrier to ADR reporting was a lack of knowledge about ADR reporting processes. To increase ADR reporting rates, some participants suggested that educational interventions are needed from organizations such the Malaysian Adverse Drug Reaction Advisory Committeee (MADRAC) and academia. Conclusion Most of the pharmacists interviewed were confused about ADR reporting and had very little knowledge about it. The information gained from this study emphasizes the importance of establishing and continuing efforts to promote the ADR reporting system in Malaysia.