Impact of Information Letters on Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting
Author Information
Author(s): Marie-Louise Johansson, Staffan Hägg, Susanna M. Wallerstedt
Primary Institution: Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
Hypothesis
Do repeated one-page ADR information letters affect the reporting rate and quality of ADR reports?
Conclusion
Repeated ADR information letters do not increase the overall ADR reporting rate but may improve the quality of the reports.
Supporting Evidence
- The number of high quality reports was higher in intervention units than in control units.
- More healthcare personnel in the intervention group received and read the ADR information letters.
- The study involved a total of 151 primary healthcare units.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether sending letters about adverse drug reactions helps doctors and nurses report them better. It found that while the letters didn't make more people report, they did help improve the quality of the reports.
Methodology
A randomized controlled trial with 151 primary healthcare units divided into intervention and control groups, measuring ADR reports and quality.
Potential Biases
Potential spillover effects where control units may have received information from intervention units.
Limitations
The study had a small number of reports and strict definitions of report quality.
Participant Demographics
845 physicians and 1,423 nurses from primary healthcare units in Sweden.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.048
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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