Patient’s Use Of Mobile Phone For Reporting Adverse Drug Reactions: A Pilot Study In Rwanda

Abstract

Background: Pharmacovigilance consists of activities aimed to monitor and to report adverse drug reactions or side effects experienced by the consumers during the marketing period. Consumers should be educated and informed about how to report ADRs through various communication channels. Objective: This study was designed to explore the feasibility of patients’ self-reporting ADRs using the mobile phone channel. Place and Duration of Study: The study took place at Gitwe Hospital in Southern province, Ruhango district, Bweramana sector, between May and July of 2019. Methodology: We approached outpatients taking medications at the Gitwe hospital pharmacy and randomly enrolled 80 patients who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study, provided they were using a mobile phone, and could talk about side effects. The investigator collected the phone number and the prescribed medications of every participant. Participants were required to call the investigator after one week of treatment at home or to receive a call from the investigator and answer some questions. The data collected were analyzed to list all types of ADRs reported and match them with the actual side effects documented on each medication received. Results: Participants received 30 different medications, among which Antibiotics, Analgesics, and Antihypertensive agents were the most ranked. The investigator called 79(98.75%) participants, and one (1.25%) participant himself called the investigator. Among 80 participants, 38(47.5%) experienced some ADRs, while 31(38.75%) did not; 11(13.75%) did not respond to the call. Respondents described 24 incidences of ADRs, all minor and familiar, but two cases that pushed to return to the hospital. Dry cough, headache, dizziness, and swelling dominated (14-21%). Conclusion: All respondents carried a functional mobile phone and demonstrated interest in self-reporting ADRs. The use of mobile phones may avail early detection of ADRs. Facilitated toll-free- call service may be an effective means of extending the scope of ADR tracking in addition to the Yellow Card Scheme, and enhance the involvement of pharmacists and consumers in the pharmacovigilance program.