Published: August 2009
Publications
Electronic adverse reaction reports - please include medication dates
Prescriber Update 30(3): 19
August 2009
As reported in the May edition of Prescriber Update, an electronic adverse reaction reporting tool has been launched in New Zealand.
The reporting tool, developed in conjunction with the Best Practice Advisory Centre (BPAC), is being rolled out to GP practices across the country. To date over half of all GP practices in New Zealand now have access to the reporting tool.
Early feedback has so far been positive, with comments centred on the short time taken to submit adverse reaction reports and the ability to include data such as laboratory results. Although it is too early to see the impact of the tool on the number of adverse reactions reported, the number of electronic reports submitted to CARM continues to increase.
The new reporting tool has been specifically designed to reduce the time taken to submit adverse reaction reports; however reporters are reminded to include as much information as possible.
CARM would like to remind prescribers that start and stop dates for all medicines are extremely important to enable proper assessment of a report. For non-suspect medicines where the dates are uncertain more general entries are acceptable eg “years”. Reporters are also asked, where possible, to provide the brand name of the medicine(s) especially if the suspected reaction is associated with a change in medicines. The brand name of the medicine can be entered manually either after the generic name in the patient medication list or to the description of the adverse reaction.
Including as much information as possible also helps provide more information back to the reporter. Healthcare professionals with any questions on access or availability of the electronic reporting tool should contact BPAC on (03) 477 5418.
