Knowledge of Drug-drug Interactions among Pharmacy Department Staff in Miri General Hospital: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction:

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) can be potentially harmful and although not all adverse drugs effects (ADEs) can easily predicted, exposure to a DDI is a medical error that can be prevented. Pharmacists play a key role in identifying DDIs to enhance the safety of medication management.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to assess the knowledge of drug-drug interaction among pharmacy department staffs in Miri General Hospital.

Methods:

A cross sectional study done involving pharmacists (Fully Registered Pharmacists and Provisionally Registered Pharmacists) and Pharmacist Assistants of Miri General Hospital (MGH). Data collection done based on questionnaire adapted from a validated Drug-drug Interaction Knowledge Assessment Instrument Questionnaire. The data analyses separated into 2 categories, which based on DDI management strategy analysis and DDI recognition analysis.

Results:

Pharmacy staffs Miri General Hospital (N=55) participated in this survey study. Majority of the pharmacy staffs (85.5%) showed poor result in the DDI management strategy and only some (14.5%) were fairly good. None of the staff showed good management strategy. Analysis of the DDI recognition showed 40% of pharmacy staff was having poor DDI recognition, while the remaining 30.9% and 29.1% were fairly good and good respectively.

Conclusion:

The level of knowledge of identifying DDIs among Pharmacy Department staff in Miri General Hospital is poor. Therefore, more educational sessions are necessary to train and equip pharmacists with the necessary amount of knowledge and skills to better identify DDIs and ensure safe medication regimes.