Role of the Clinical Pharmacist in Monitoring and Reporting of Outside Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR’s) to Ensure Patient Safety while Hospitalization in Apollo Hospitals Bilaspur

Abstract

Medicines, whether synthetic or derived from natural sources, are widely used to treat diseases but may cause side effects or adverse drug reactions (ADRs), especially when multiple medications are combined. ADRs can result in significant patient harm, leading to hospitalization, surgery, or loss of productivity, often exceeding the cost of the medications themselves. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pharmacovigilance (PV) involves the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects related to medicines. Pharmacovigilance practices began over 169 years ago, evolving into an essential activity for ensuring drug safety. Serious adverse drug events have led to the withdrawal of drugs such as Thalidomide (phocomelia), Bicalutamide (fetal harm), and Rosiglitazone (fractures). In India, despite accounting for 20% of the global disease burden and 16% of the world’s population, less than 1.4% of global clinical trials are conducted in the country, highlighting the importance of robust ADR reporting systems like PvPI (Pharmacovigilance Programme of India). PvPI publishes monthly safety alerts, aiding in early ADR detection and patient safety improvement. From March 2016 to September 2020, 106 ADRs were reported by PvPI. This study conducted at Apollo Hospitals Bilaspur monitored ADRs between January 2021 and September 2022 among 28,847 admitted patients, identifying 14 ADR-related admissions (0.99%). No new ADRs developed during hospitalization, and all patients were successfully discharged after treatment. Clinical pharmacists conducted patient counseling and ensured reporting to PvPI. Promoting ADR reporting among healthcare professionals, alongside patient awareness, is crucial for minimizing risks. Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and education are essential to enhance patient safety and public health.