Biovigilance systems: Cells, tissues, and organs donation and transplantation

Abstract

Objective: to describe Biovigilance Systems and their associated management tools among member countries of the World Health Organization. Method: overview conducted following the population, concept, and context strategy to develop the research question and objective. Structured searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus. Snowballing procedure in Google Scholar and health authorities’ websites as World Health Organization and Pan American Health Organization during the first semester of 2023. Language and time restrictions were not applied. Results: we examined more than 70 studies and non-scientific works. Biovigilance systems were identified in 12 countries members of WHO in 3 of 6 regions: Pan-American Region (Brazil and Colombia, Canada), Europe (England, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Spain), and Western Pacific Region (Australia). Conclusion: This overview achieved its objective by describing biovigilance systems and their management tools among World Health Organization member countries. This research, designed as an overview, refrains from generalizing results but holds significance for countries and health authorities developing biovigilance systems, offering benchmark opportunities and supporting system improvement. The study contributes directly to the biovigilance discourse, guiding efforts to enhance safety and quality globally.