(RS23) Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of On-Target And Off-Target Adverse Drug Reactions Among Healthcare Workers – A Cross Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study

Introduction:

Healthcare workers’ (HCWs) ability to recognize, classify and manage adverse reactions (ADR) is crucial, as new therapeutic elements are introduced during a pandemic. This study aimed to assess the HCWs’ ADR knowledge, attitude and practice.

Results:

A total of 321 respondents were recruited. The mean age of the respondents was 35 years, with male:female ratio of 1:1.5. There were 129 specialists, 127 non-specialist doctors, 58 nurses and 7 paramedics. The mean duration in medical service was 10 years, with 70% more than 5 years’ experience. HCWs with >5 years’ experience, doctors particularly dermatologists and dermatology trainees had better ADR knowledge. Three-quarter failed to recognize off-target nonimmune mediated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reactions. Nearly 30% could not recognize severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs). In those who recognized SCARs, only 76% will not re-introduce the implicated drugs. Knowledge in managing anaphylaxis and paradoxical reaction was poor. About 20% did not use adrenaline and 80% did not know that serum tryptase is useful in anaphylaxis. Nearly 52% did not suspect gelofusine infusion could be a hidden allergen in recalcitrant anaphylaxis. Nearly 90% were unfamiliar with the utilization of fresh frozen plasma in severe ACE-inhibitor induced angioedema. Eighty-eight percent and 75% understood the reporting pathway for ADRs to medications and vaccines, respectively. Only 67.3% understood the need to update ADR reporting when a new reaction occurred.

Discussion/Conclusion:

The overall HCWs knowledge on ADRs is not satisfactory. However, they showed good attitude towards ADR reporting. Continuous medical education and introduction of an ADR module in the medical curriculum is needed.