§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will give details of the pilot schemes that are being run into a computerised system for monitoring the effects of new drugs; when he expects the schemes to become fully operational; how many patients and doctors it will then cover; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what steps are being taken to improve the monitoring of the effects of drugs.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke:There are a number of schemes for monitoring adverse reactions to drugs currently under evaluation, most of which employ computers to assist in the analysis of data. These schemes, which include those being directed by Professor Crookes of the University of Dundee and Dr. Inman at the University of Southampton, are being supported by our Department. Other schemes currently under development include those directed by Professor Grob at the University of Surrey and Dr. Kay at the university of Manchester. It is not possible to say at this stage how many doctors and patients any one of these schemes may eventually cover.
The Committee on Safety of Medicines has decided to review the means by which it monitors adverse reactions. This review, which will take into account the pilot studies already referred to, will consider what, if any, changes need to be made to the committee's present monitoring arrangements, including the yellow card system, and what additional methods might be introduced to complement that system.