Abstract
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are among the most significant threats to patient safety in hospitals, although a considerable proportion of them are preventable. Despite the availability of reporting systems, the rate of ADR reporting in hospitals across the country remains low. Drawing on scientific evidence and practical experience from the implementation of evidence-based interventions in a hospital in Tabriz, this policy commentary proposes low-cost and feasible policy options including short and repetitive training programs and the designation of medication safety officers at the ward level, to improve the reporting of adverse drug reactions in Iran.
Research Insights
· Adverse drug reactions are a major patient safety concern, however, ADR reporting remains low in Iranian hospitals despite the existence of reporting systems.
· Available evidence has not been sufficiently translated into simple, low-cost, and context-appropriate policy options for Iranian hospitals.
· This commentary combines research evidence and implementation experience to propose two policy options: short, repeated training and the designation of ward-level medication safety officers.
· These options can strengthen staff awareness and accountability, improve ADR reporting, and provide a foundation for decision-making by policymakers and hospital managers.