Reporting of adverse drug reactions by general practitioners: a questionnaire-based study in the Netherlands.
BACKGROUND
There has been a gradual decline over the years in the number of spontaneous reports of potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from general practitioners (GPs) in the Netherlands.


OBJECTIVE
To reveal aspects of knowledge, attitudes and behaviour that can stimulate GPs to submit (more) ADRs.


METHODS
Dutch GPs were divided into the following two groups based on their reporting behaviour during the period 2004-6: (i) active reporters; and (ii) non-reporters. A random selection from each group was sent a questionnaire, based on the Ajzen and Fishbein model, focussed on their reporting behaviour. The questions were subdivided into knowledge-related questions, attitude-related questions and questions about the influence of the professional environment.


RESULTS
700 questionnaires were completed, corresponding with an overall response of 47%. GPs who actively reported ADRs differed from their non-reporting colleagues: they had more knowledge on ADR reporting, were more interested in pharmacotherapy and more often had a positive example in their professional environment. Both reporting and non-reporting GPs considered it very important to comply with their professional environment.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific education and training of GPs on pharmacotherapy, preferably with extra attention to ADR reporting, is expected to improve ADR reporting. Improved communication of GPs with their fellow GPs and pharmacists as well as with their patients may further stimulate ADR reporting.
Passier
Anneke
A
Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. a.passier@lareb.nl
ten Napel
Marije
M
van Grootheest
Kees
K
van Puijenbroek
Eugène
E
D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000193:education; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires