PHARMACOVIGILANCE AND PATIENT SAFETY: MONITORING AND REPORTING ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS
Keywords:
Pharmacovigilance, Adverse drug reactions, Patient safety, Drug monitoring, Spontaneous reporting, Risk management, Medication errorsAbstract
Pharmacovigilance (PV) is a critical discipline in healthcare, aimed at ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicines through systematic detection, assessment, and prevention of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). ADRs remain a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and hospital admissions worldwide, emphasizing the need for robust monitoring systems. This article explores the principles of pharmacovigilance, its role in enhancing patient safety, and contemporary strategies for monitoring and reporting ADRs. Key components include spontaneous reporting systems, active surveillance, electronic health record integration, and pharmacogenomic tools. Emphasis is placed on risk communication, regulatory frameworks, and education of healthcare professionals. Effective PV practices are essential for early detection of drug-related risks, minimizing preventable harm, and guiding evidence-based clinical and regulatory decisions.
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