title: A distance-learning programme in pharmacovigilance linked to educational credits is associated with improved reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions via the UK yellow card scheme.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The effect of a distance-learning package linked to educational credits on the rate and quality of spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting by general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists in Wales was investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  In April 2000, 477 GPs and 261 pharmacists enrolled in the 12 month programme.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The number and quality of yellow card reports improved compared with those of a control region in England (Northern Region).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that an educational initiative in drug safety linked to incentives may be associated with a significant but perhaps short-lived improvement in the rate and quality of ADR reporting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales. Robert@Sedge.demon.co.uk
authors.forename: Robert C G
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Bracchi
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Houghton
authors.forename: Fiona J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Woods
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Simon A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Smail
authors.forename: Philip A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Routledge
mesh_terms: D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D014852:Wales