Developing a comprehensive medication reaction reporting system.

A step-by-step method for developing a comprehensive medication reaction reporting system is reported. The program was developed from information obtained by literature review, from the existing programs of other hospitals, and the authors' ideas. The following steps were developed and implemented after approval by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. The name of the program was changed from the Adverse Drug Reporting Program to the Medication Reaction Reporting Program. A voice mail system was installed, the medication reaction reporting form was revised, a suspected medication reaction sticker was developed, the peer review mechanism was revised, and a system for positive feedback to reporters was developed. After implementation of the revised program, the number of reported medication reactions increased by 144%, from an average of 12.7 reports per month to 31 reports per month. The revised program has increased medication reaction reporting from 1.2% to 2.7% of discharged patients. Program revision has also increased the quality of the reports, increased the number of cases for peer review, and has aided the medical center in identifying medication related problems which has resulted in closer monitoring to reduce future problems.