Pharmacovigilance and radiologists: How well do they get along?

Abstract

Objectives: Considering the growing use of imaging modalities and contrast agents, radiologists are prone to encounter adverse drug reactions (ADR). In the current study, we mainly aim to evaluate the knowledge of radiologists regarding pharmacovigilance (PV). Also, we intend to gather information about their previous ADR experiences. Secondarily, we hope to increase the awareness about contrast-medium-related ADRs and attract attention to the importance of properly reporting these ADRs. Methods: A survey was generated by using an online survey webpage, and the relevant link was e-mailed to radiologists and radiology residents. The survey begins with a short explanation about the study. The second section contains questions about PV knowledge level, and the final section aims to gather information about the experienced ADRs. Results: The survey was completed by 202 participants. 65.3% stated that they were aware of PV. 24.8% of the participants said that they know the national PV program. 97% told that they knew the term ADR. 66.3% of the participants encountered an ADR. 53.7% of them reported these ADRs. 70.8% of them reported these ADRs to a clinician. Conclusions: Radiologists encounter ADRs almost as frequently as the other doctors. Their awareness about PV is similar with other healthcare professionals. They have fewer information about TUFAM and PvCPs. Radiologists generally prefer to communicate with a clinician about an ADR. Overall condition of radiologists about PV is quite similar with other healthcare professionals and education can improve it, as for the others. Advances in knowledge: Radiologists encounters ADRs almost as frequently as the other doctors. Overall condition of radiologists about PV is quite similar with other healthcare professionals and education can improve it, as for the others.

Defining the awareness and attitude of the clinicians through pharmacovigilance in Turkey

“…Nonetheless, the involvement of physicians from various hospitals and cities in our study and the size of our sample were advantageous characteristics. In addition, in a survey involving radiologists in Turkey, 19.8% of the participants were found to be aware of TUFAM[ 11 ].…”

“…We observed that as the number of participants and centres increases, awareness appears to decline. In a study involving only radiologists in Turkey, only 5.9% of the participants knew about PCPs at their institution[ 11 ]. In summary, we may conclude that hospitals do not promote PCPs and physicians are not well informed about this topic.…”

“…The least-selected criterion in our study was hospitalisation and length of stay. In a survey study involving radiologists in Turkey, 85.1% of participants were able to define serious ADRs[ 11 ].…”