The research and practices involved in the identification, assessment, comprehension, and prevention of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or any other drug-related issues are referred to as” pharmacovigilance”. By identifying and reducing the risks involved in the use of pharmaceuticals, pharmacovigilance's main objective is to ensure the safe and effective use of these goods.
Pharmacovigilance is a crucial component of Rwanda's healthcare system since it is necessary to ensure that the general public has access to safe and effective pharmaceuticals. The pharmacovigilance system in the country is under the control of the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority (RFDA), which is in charge of monitoring and regulating all medications and medical supplies in the country.
Electronic techniques, which can be passive or active, are one of the main tools utilized in pharmacovigilance. Data is gathered and analyzed using passive electronic methods from a variety of sources, including social media, databases, and electronic health records. Active electronic systems, on the other hand, actively seek for data about negative drug reactions through a variety of techniques, including surveys, questionnaires, and clinical trials.
Passive electronic approaches in pharmacovigilance are particularly useful in identifying adverse drug reactions that may go unnoticed in routine clinical practice. For example, the RFDA uses the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system to collect and analyze data on adverse drug reactions from different healthcare facilities across the country. This system allows healthcare providers to report any adverse drug reactions they observe in their patients, which are then analyzed to identify potential safety concerns.
The use of social media monitoring in pharmacovigilance is another illustration of passive technological methods. Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook can offer insightful information about how patients react to certain medications. Pharmacovigilance professionals can spot potential safety issues and adverse medication reactions that might not have been reported through conventional means by keeping an eye on social media sites.
In pharmacovigilance, active electronic systems take a more proactive approach to identifying and reporting adverse drug responses. The use of electronic surveys and questionnaires to gather information on adverse medication responses from patients and healthcare professionals is an example of an active electronic method. Patients can report adverse drug responses more easily by completing these surveys online or using mobile applications.
Clinical trials are also a crucial part of active electronic pharmacovigilance techniques. The RFDA collaborates with medical facilities and academic institutions in Rwanda to carry out clinical trials on various medications. These studies aid in identifying any security issues and negative drug reactions linked to the examined medications.
Electronic databases serve as a consolidated repository for information on adverse drug reactions and other drug-related issues, making them a crucial tool in pharmacovigilance. The RFDA keeps track of and keeps an eye on safety problems relating to various pharmaceuticals by maintaining an electronic database of adverse drug reactions. The database is continuously updated with fresh data, enabling pharmacovigilance specialists to spot potential safety issues and take the necessary precautions to reduce risks.
Pharmacovigilance is crucial to Rwanda's healthcare system since it ensures the safe and efficient use of pharmaceuticals. Pharmacovigilance relies heavily on electronic technologies, including passive and active approaches, and the use of electronic databases. These resources offer insightful information on adverse drug reactions and other drug-related issues, enabling pharmacovigilance specialists to spot potential safety issues and take the necessary precautions to reduce risks.
References
- World Health Organization. Pharmacovigilance: ensuring the safe use of medicines. Link
- Rwanda Food and Drug Authority. Pharmacovigilance. https://www.rwanda-food-drug-authority.org/index.php?id=6
- Rwanda Biomedical Center. Pharmacovigilance policy and guidelines. Document
- Serrano-Gil M, Fernández-Llimós F. Clinical trials and pharmacovigilance: the role and responsibility of pharmacists. Pharmacy (Basel). 2021;9(2):86. doi: 10.3390/pharmacy9020086.
- Uppsala Monitoring Centre. The importance of databases in pharmacovigilance. https://www.who-umc.org/global-pharmacovigilance/what-is-pharmacovigilance/the-importance-of-databases-in-pharmacovigilance/