Healthcare students’ knowledge, attitude and perception of pharmacovigilance: A systematic review

Abstract

Objective The objective of this review is to evaluate the existing evidence about the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions (KAP) of healthcare students towards pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reactions reporting (ADRs). Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews via OVID. This review restricted the search to studies published in English from inception until December 2019. Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome was healthcare students’ knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of pharmacovigilance. Results Of the 664 articles identified, twenty-nine studies were included in the review. Overall, healthcare students vary in their knowledge and attitude towards pharmacovigilance and ADRs reporting. There was inconsistency in measuring KAP between the studies and the main drawback in the literature is lacking validated KAP measures. Conclusions In summation, optimal KAP assessment can be achieved through developing a standard validated measure. Our future healthcare providers should have basics pharmacovigilance knowledge in order to rationally reporting ADRs and preventing serious health problems.