One day national workshop and hands on training on Pharmacovigilance ADR form filling and Vigiflow Software


Workshop Overview

This one-day national workshop is designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of pharmacovigilance, the critical process of adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting, and hands-on proficiency with a leading industry software, Vigiflow. The training is tailored for aspiring and current pharmacovigilance professionals, pharmacy students, clinicians, and researchers who are keen to develop practical skills in drug safety reporting and data management. The workshop provides a robust blend of theoretical principles and practical application, addressing the urgent need for trained professionals who can navigate the complexities of modern drug safety monitoring. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the regulatory frameworks governing adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting, both nationally and internationally.

. The program delves into key concepts such as causality assessment, signal detection, and risk management, which are vital for identifying and mitigating potential drug-related risks. The sessions will cover the entire lifecycle of an ADR case, from initial detection and documentation to its final submission to regulatory authorities. A significant highlight of this training is the dedicated hands-on session focusing on Vigiflow software. Vigiflow is a web-based, individual case safety report (ICSR) management system developed by the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC).

It is widely used by national pharmacovigilance centres to collect, process, and analyze adverse event data. Through practical, simulated exercises, participants will learn how to efficiently navigate the software, including data entry for various case types (standard and parent-child cases), using integrated terminologies like MedDRA (Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities) and WHO Drug Dictionaries, and generating required reports. Proficiency in such industry-standard tools is a highly sought-after skill that significantly enhances career prospects in the pharmacovigilance sector. By the end of this workshop, attendees will possess the competencies to: understand the pivotal role of pharmacovigilance in public health, accurately identify and report ADRs, and confidently utilize a key pharmacovigilance software.

This training is ideal for pharmacy students, clinical research associates, medical professionals, and anyone interested in a career in drug safety. Ultimately, this program is more than just a training session; it is an investment in professional development that contributes directly to a safer healthcare ecosystem for all.

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
  • Comprehend the core concepts, principles, and regulatory framework of pharmacovigilance.
  • Identify and classify different types of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs).
  • Master the process of filling out standardized ADR forms, such as the CIOMS I.
  • Navigate the Vigiflow software interface for efficient case processing.
  • Perform hands-on data entry for Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs).
  • Understand the importance and application of medical coding dictionaries like MedDRA.
  • Analyze case data and prepare reports for regulatory submission.

Detailed Workshop Agenda

Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Time Session Details
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Registration and Welcome Address
  • Participant check-in and networking
  • Introduction to the workshop, facilitators, and course flow
  • Setting the stage for a collaborative learning environment
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM Session 1: Fundamentals of Pharmacovigilance
  • Introduction: What is Pharmacovigilance (PV) and why is it essential?
  • The life cycle of a drug: From clinical trials to post-marketing surveillance
  • Key PV definitions: ADR, Adverse Event (AE), and Serious Adverse Event (SAE).
  • Regulatory Framework: Overview of global and national guidelines (ICH, PvPI)
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM Tea / Coffee Break
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Session 2: Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Reporting
  • The importance of spontaneous reporting systems
  • Detailed breakdown of a standard ADR form (e.g., CIOMS I Form):
  • Explanation of mandatory data fields: Patient details, suspected drug(s), reaction description, and reporter information.
  • Case study discussion: Analyzing real-world case scenarios for reporting.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Hands-on Training: ADR Form Filling
  • Participants will be provided with a simulated case file
  • Activity: Manually fill out a provided ADR form based on the case study.
  • Facilitator guidance and Q&A session on common challenges.
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Lunch Break
2:30 PM – 3:45 PM Session 3: Introduction to Vigiflow Software
  • What is Vigiflow? Its role in pharmacovigilance and drug safety.
  • System Overview: User Interface and key functionalities.
  • Hands-on: o Logging in and navigating the home screen, o Creating a new ICSR (Individual Case Safety Report)., o Data entry for patient, reaction, and drug information.
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM Session 4: Advanced Vigiflow & Case Processing
  • Understanding medical coding: An introduction to MedDRA and WHODrug.
  • Practical Application: Coding the reported ADR and drug information within Vigiflow.
  • Quality control checks and validation within the system.
  • Finalizing and submitting the case.
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM Concluding Session
  • Interactive Q&A session: An open forum for participants' queries.
  • Summary of key takeaways
  • Feedback collection and certificate distribution