Abstract

Strategies to Stimulate Actions for Pharmacovigilance Decentralization

Samir Antonio Rodrigues Abjaude, Nicole Rodrigues da Silva, Luciene Alves Moreira Marques and Ricardo Radighieri Rascado

Introduction: Reporting in pharmacovigilance is an indicator for monitoring patient safety; the main limitation of this process is under-reporting.

Objectives: To formulate strategies to improve the attitudes and ability of health professionals and the general population, to disseminate knowledge, and to stimulate pharmacovigilance reporting of adverse drug events.

Method: Several strategies were implemented between 2009 and 2013 along with the creation of the Universidade Federal de Alfenas Pharmacovigilance Center (CEFAL).

Results: The following strategies were implemented: creation of a website, folders, and stickers; educational interventions; lectures; development of alerts and monthly bulletins; scientific research; use of social networking, and extension projects. Of the 248 adverse drug events reported, 195 were adverse drug reactions; 51 were technical defects, and 2 were medication errors. Conclusion – The decentralization of pharmacovigilance centers, such as CEFAL, is a strategy to facilitate actions in pharmacovigilance, as each center can formulate its own teaching, research, and extension strategies with the aim of promoting patient safety.