Healthcare Providers Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in Relation to Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting in Oncology Departments in the West Bank رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

Background: Patient safety is a paramount concern in healthcare, with pharmacovigilance ensuring medication safety. Adverse drug reactions are especially alarming in oncology, as they affect 87% of patients. Although healthcare providers role is essential in pharmacovigilance, the underreporting of adverse drug reactions remains a global and local concern, especially in Palestine, where the pharmacovigilance infrastructure is still in its developmental stages. Objective: This study aimed to examine healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reactions reporting in oncology departments across the West Bank, as well as to identify the barriers influencing ADR reporting behavior. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 physicians, nurses, and pharmacists working in oncology departments of eight hospitals in the West Bank. Data were collected in April 2025 using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data. Results: Only 35.6% of participants achieved adequate knowledge, while over 91% of participants demonstrated favorable attitudes toward adverse drug reactions reporting. However, just 18.3% of participants satisfied the established criteria for adequate reporting practices. The most prevalent barriers mentioned were inadequate training, fear regarding potential legal consequences, deficient institutional reporting systems, and time limitations. Statistically significant correlations were identified between knowledge, attitudes, and practices levels and variables like profession, years of experience, prior training, and institutional support. Conclusion: A significant gap exists in pharmacovigilance involvement among oncology healthcare practitioners in Palestine. Strengthening education, institutional frameworks, and integration of pharmacovigilance training into curricula is crucial to improving reporting behavior and ensuring safer oncology practice.