KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF MATERIOVIGILANCE AMONG MEDICAL POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract

Objective: Medical devices have become an indispensable part of the healthcare system in recent times. A major shift towards increasing demand and supply of devices has led to an increase in the number of adverse effects being reported from across the world. “Materiovigilance” (MV) is the coordinated system of identification, collection, reporting, and analysis of any untoward occurrences associated with the use of medical devices and protection of a patient's health by preventing its recurrences. Post-Graduate medical students play a key role in reporting and management of any adverse events associated with medical devices in patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Materiovigilance among the residents. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among the Post graduate students of a tertiary care government institute of Southern Rajasthan. A pre-validated questionnaire comprising of 18 questions pertaining to knowledge, attitude, and practice of Materiovigilance was used. Results: Out of 110 participants ongoing programme 73.6% knew about an ongoing programme on Materiovigilance, 29.6% have been trained about MV while 70% consider reporting its ADR necessary, while 6.6% have reported ADRs caused by devices in their department. Conclusion: A large section of PG students was aware of the term “Materiovigilance,” but they need to be provided with more knowledge about the concept and its reporting. The attitude is positive but regular practice of reporting needs to be developed. Educational interventional programmes are required to promote Materiovigilance and ADR reporting due to medical devices in day-to-day practice.