Knowledge, Attitudes and Sources of Information About Adverse Drug Reactions-A Survey Study Among Patients and Healthcare Professionals in Poland.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and information sources about adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) and non-healthcare professionals (non-HCPs) in Poland.

METHODS

A self-administered questionnaire was designed in two versions (non-HCPs and HCPs). The questionnaire, available in electronic and paper format, was distributed between August 2023 and April 2024 using various means, including HCP and patient organisations, senior citizens centres, and community pharmacies. The anonymous survey included a series of statements regarding ADRs and single- and multiple-choice questions.

RESULTS

Answers collected from 981 non-HCPs and 481 HCPs were analysed. Most respondents correctly identified the essential aspect of the ADR definition regardless of their medical education (non-HCP, n = 700 (71.36%) vs. HCP, n = 346 (71.93%) p = 0.818). Still, few respondents in both groups identified additional elements of the definition, with less than one-third of HCP respondents believing an ADR can result from improper medication use (non-HCP, n = 338 (34.45%) vs. HCP, n = 128 (26.61%) p = 0.002). Most respondents did not identify a "common ADR" as defined in the current rules of communicating about the frequency of ADRs. Most respondents indicate a lack of specific information in summary of product characteristics or package leaflet, with only 15.46% (n = 226) stating that they believe nothing is missing from those resources.

CONCLUSIONS

Our survey results show the need to effectively educate HCPs and non-HCPs on ADRs. Exploring ways to communicate about ADRs may help patients and HCPs better understand the risks of pharmacotherapy and their role in the pharma covigilance system.