An adverse drug reaction reporting program in a community hospital.

An adverse drug reaction (ADR) surveillance program implemented in a 472-bed acute care community hospital consists of three components: specific indicators that nurses and pharmacists can use to evaluate reactions for reporting, an ADR reporting form and procedure, and innovative computerized screening for ADRs. In the program's first year, ADR reporting has increased 13-fold, and an important ADR to an antibiotic has been detected and publicized, resulting in modified prescribing patterns. Careful planning and frequent, intensive in-service training are key to the program's success.