Development, validation and evaluation of learning activities to support the reporting of adverse drug reactions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The fast tracking of the production of COVID-19 vaccines gave rise to aspects of general concern regarding their safety. The vigilance aspect of adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting is a means to build up the science behind the safety aspects. The aim was to develop, validate and apply learning activities for healthcare professionals (HCPs) to educate and support them on ADR reporting. Methods: Two educational webinars were developed, validated, applied and evaluated by pharmacists, medical doctors, dentists and nurses. Results: Evaluation forms about the webinars were completed by 103 out of 132 HCPs (first webinar), and 73 out of 90 HCPs (second webinar). Conclusion: HCPs agreed that the educational webinars made them more aware of the importance of ADR reporting and the webinars helped them overcome barriers to ADR reporting.