P222: Consumer Perspectives on Post-marketing Drug Surveillance in Brazil
Poster Presenter
Eimy Honda
Pharmacovigilance Specialist
University of São Paulo, MBA USP/Esalq Brazil
Objectives
The objective of this study was to assess consumer perceptions regarding post-marketing drug monitoring based on data collected by the Pharmacovigilance department in the Brazilian context.
Method
An exploratory survey (n=431) was conducted between February and March 2024, employing a mixed-methods approach. An online form, created using Google Forms, included both open-ended and closed-ended questions (using a 5-point Likert scale) related to safety and innovation variables.
Results
Of the total respondents, 75.6% (n=326) were not from the healthcare field. Only 4.82% (n=21), including 12 healthcare professionals, demonstrated some knowledge of the topic, while 83.87% among those who responded to one of the open-ended questions (81.9%; n=353) exhibited low or no understanding, suggesting that the majority are unaware of the drug safety monitoring and innovation processes based on data collected by the pharmaceutical industry's Pharmacovigilance department. While pharmacovigilance was mentioned by some participants (1.8%; n=8), the majority reported either "Never" (67.1%; n=289) or "Rarely" (20.1%; n=89) contacting the pharmaceutical industry to report negative experiences with medication. Although most respondents (80.3%; n=361) were aware of their general role in reporting adverse events and contributing data to pharmacovigilance, a low level of awareness persisted regarding how pharmaceutical companies conduct post-marketing safety monitoring and how consumers can effectively contribute.
Conclusion
Several barriers hinder consumers from reporting experiences, both positive and negative, including a lack of industry disclosure and guidance, reliance on intermediaries, and a lack of understanding regarding consumers' practical roles. Furthermore, no significant difference in perceptions was observed among healthcare professionals. This highlights the need for public awareness initiatives regarding pharmacovigilance and the importance of consumer involvement in the safety monitoring process.
