Background and Importance Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have resulted in a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality. Patients have access to several sources of information about adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which contribute to improving medication safety. There have been few published studies on sources of ADR information used and the information needed by patients.

Aim and Objectives To explore patients‘ use of information sources and their information needs in the monitoring process of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and to evaluate factors related to both information sources and information needs.

Material and Methods A cross-sectional survey, using a self-administered questionnaire, was distributed to patients through purposive sampling, who were visiting outpatient departments of two university hospitals from January to July 2020. Patients aged 18 and over were asked about their information sources and needs about the experienced ADRs.

Results Of the total 617 questionnaires distributed, 479 were completed (77.6%). Respondents were asked about sources of information used to confirm ADR symptoms. Of the total 476 respondents, 316 (66.4%) claimed that they consulted their physicians to confirm ADRs, 194 (40.8%) relied on their own experiences, and 66 (13.9%) consulted pharmacists. The top two information that patients needed in ADR identification were healthcare professional advice (75.0%) and ADR information documents (48.1%). The major needed information regarding ADR management included the treatment of ADR symptoms (33.9%) and switching to other drugs (32.9%). Major information needs related to ADR prevention were recording a history of drug allergies (40.6%) and ADR surveillance and detection methods (29.0%). Patients with bachelor’s degree or higher educational levels were more likely to use medicine labels as a source of ADR information (p = 0.047). Patients aged less than 60 years (p=0.018) and patients having three underlying diseases or less (p=0.043) were more likely to require the ADR information.

Conclusion and Relevance Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are the primary sources of information for patients. Younger patients and less underlying diseases were found to be associated with a greater need for information. Therefore, HCPs should ensure that patients receive sufficient ADR information particularly older patients to enhance medication safety.

References and/or Acknowledgements We thank the Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. Programme Fund for supporting this research.

Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest.