Evaluation of the Ability of Emergency Room Doctors at a French University Hospital Center to Identify Adverse Drug Events

Objectives Numerous adverse drug events (ADEs) are not identified by doctors in medical emergencies, and they are a barrier to optimal treatment of patients. Identification of the factors that influence awareness of ADEs by doctors could allow events that compromise patient safety to be avoided. The aims of this study were to quantify the recognition of ADEs by emergency room (ER) doctors and to identify the factors associated with the lack of identification of drug-related risks. Methods This study was carried out at the ER of a French teaching hospital between January 1, 2014, and the December 31, 2017. A previously used form was administered to the patients being treated in the ER, and it was completed using medical files to identify ADEs. The ADEs were then validated by a doctor and a senior pharmacist. Results Of the 1870 included patients, 279 (14.9%) exhibited an ADE. Of these 279 ADEs, 201 (72%) had been identified by the doctor. The probability of an ADE being identified was higher when the drug was directly linked with the main ailment of the patient (odds ratio, 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-2.97). Adverse drug events were identified less well when their severity was limited (spontaneous regression without treatment) (odds ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.93). Conclusions This study showed that ADEs are identified less well when their severity is limited, as well as when the ADE is not directly linked with the main ailment of the patient.