Abstract
Irrational prescribing of medicines and Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) negatively impact not only individuals but the healthcare of a country. Pharmacovigilance (PV) is a tool designed to ensure safety of medicines by encouraging reporting of ADRs, which are globally underreported. Homeopathy, naturopathy and phytotherapy practitioners have a role as primary healthcare providers in South Africa to rationally prescribe as well as report ADRs. The aim of the study was to determine the prescription and vigilance behaviours of these practitioners. An electronic self-administered questionnaire was utilized. The questionnaire was designed to capture demographics, prescription behaviours and vigilance behaviours (knowledge, perceptions, practice and barriers to reporting ADRs). Homeopathy, naturopathy and phytotherapy practitioners registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) were invited to participate, with dual-registered practitioners with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) or any other council that may have established practices with regards to the subjects under study excluded. Potential participants were screened through an eligibility assessment and their informed consent obtained. Data from the questionnaires was recorded electronically and exported to MS Excel spreadsheet where it was analysed and presented in frequency tables and graphical format with the assistance of a statistician at the UJ STATKON Department...
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)