Journal of Pharmacovigilance

The use of social media in ADR monitoring and reporting: A study from a pharmaceutical industry, healthcare professional and patient perspective

9^th International Conference and Exhibition on Pharmacovigilance & Drug Safety

July 17-18, 2017 Munich, Germany

Ishak Omar

Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland
Quintiles-IMS, Ireland

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Pharmacovigil

Abstract:

Background: The benefits of using social media for adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting are slowly recognized, not just among regulatory authorities but also the pharmaceutical industry stakeholders and healthcare professionals (HCPs). If utilized correctly, ADR reporting and monitoring via social media could potentially prove to be an efficient and expeditious means of post-market safety surveillance and overcome limitations of traditional ADR reporting systems such as under-reporting. Aim: The purpose of the study was to determine the attitude and behavior of the pharmaceutical industry, HCPs and the general public towards the concept of using social media as a tool for ADR reporting and monitoring. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 17 pharmaceutical companies, 46 HCPs, and 100 members of the general public. Surveys were distributed, comprising of questions designed to elicit significant responses from the participants, in relation to the concept of using social media for pharmacovigilance purposes. Findings: 83% of the general public participants agreed that patients would be more inclined to report suspected ADRs via social media, if the correct measures were in place. 63% of the HCPs believed that the concept of utilizing social media for patient safety purposes would be feasible. 71% of the pharmaceutical companies stated they would consider this concept feasible from a legislative and industry perspective. Ethical and confidentiality issues were of the most common concerns among the various populations. Conclusion: The results from the study indicate that a collaborative effort is required between the pharmaceutical industry, HCPs and the public before social media can reach its full beneficial potential as a tool in pharmacovigilance. The study also shows that there is still a need to promote the importance of ADR reporting to the general public while additional regulatory guidelines may also be required to ensure the engagement of HCPs and pharmaceutical companies in reporting and monitoring ADRs on social media.

Biography :

Email: ishakomar987@gmail.com