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NEWS: Lisa Hitchen Most doctors still don’t report adverse reactions to drugs BMJ 2008; 336: 299-a [Full text]

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electronic Yellow Cards turned off in 2001

Nigel K Dickson   (11 April 2008)

Walsh survey findings are an eye-opener for medical professionals

Om Prakash   (1 May 2008)

electronic Yellow Cards turned off in 2001 11 April 2008
Nigel K Dickson, GP St Denys Surgery, Southampton Send response to journal: Re: electronic Yellow Cards turned off in 2001	I think there is more to this fall off in Yellow Card reporting by GP's, since the move from paper to the electronic yellow cards from my practice system worked well 1998 - 2000 But to the electronic yellow cards from my practice have been failing to transmit electronically via EMIS since the 4th October 2001, therefore a backlog of cards (~40) have built up and not been sent to CHM (Commission on Human Medicines). EMIS contacted me today 11.4.08 and informed me that the EMIS software was designed to transmit the data using a modem. This would obviously explain why these reports have not transmitted as modem technology has been phased out in GP practices at the turn of the last century. Competing interests: None declared
Walsh survey findings are an eye-opener for medical professionals 1 May 2008
Om Prakash, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry Geriatric Clinic & Services, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore, INDIA Send response to journal: Re: Walsh survey findings are an eye-opener for medical professionals	I am surprised to find results of Walsh survey that two thirds of GPs do not report adverse reactions to drugs (1). I could expect similar or worse picture in developing countries where much emphasis on improving health infrastructure. In these countries, the doctors are overburdened with patient pressure. Their dedication to medical profession is commendable but they could not devote their time on reporting adverse reactions of drugs mainly due to work pressure. The system of reporting to drug authorities is not in use. I think we must take lessons from this revelation survey and those who can report drug reactions must report. REFERENCE 1.Lisa Hitchen. Most doctors still don’t report adverse reactions to drugs. BMJ 2008; 336: 299-a Competing interests: None declared