One of my colleagues pointed out earlier that an integrated system is required. This is because even if we have the best databases available, offering both quality and quantity, we cannot always avoid ADRs if the information does not get—in a timely fashion—to the professional who has a patient standing in front of him. We all know that health care professionals often experience difficulty in getting feedback on the ADRs that they report. Although Health Canada's decision to make the MedEffect's database available on its website constitutes considerable progress, it would seem that health care professionals do not always consult the information that is sent to them and, as such, experience difficulties when using the system.
Our ultimate goal is to provide better treatment for our patients and to have a better understanding of the medications. A lot of emphasis has been placed on mandatory reporting, but I believe that the system as a whole should be addressed. Obviously, mandatory reporting has its role, but patient feedback also has to be considered. In the long run, changes may well be made to change monographs, but that takes time. Amending a monograph involves negotiating with the drug manufacturer, and it really does take a very long time. It is therefore very important to ensure that the link between health care professionals and the body receiving the reports is very strong. It is something that needs to be integrated into pharmacists' daily practice.