Pharmacovigilance as an Act of Awareness and Mindfulness

Authors

• Mahima Silas, University of Central Florida College of MedicineFollow
• Hale Z. Toklu, University of Central Florida College of MedicineFollow

Keywords

pharmacovigilance; mindfulness medication; awareness; adverse event reporting; adverse drug reactions; ADR; drug-related side effects and adverse reactions

Disciplines

Behavioral Disciplines and Activities | Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Health Services Administration | Medical Humanities | Medical Pharmacology | Other Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | Patient Safety | Public Health Education and Promotion | Quality Improvement

Abstract

The term “pharmacovigilance” defines the activities related to the collection, detection, assessment, monitoring, and prevention of adverse reactions due to pharmaceuticals. While it is often framed as a technical and regulatory discipline, it can also be understood through a more reflective lens as a form of mindfulness practice. At its core, pharmacovigilance requires a way of thinking that closely mirrors mindfulness, including sustained attention, openness to uncertainty, and deep awareness of human experience. Viewing pharmacovigilance in this way reframes it not just as a safety mechanism, but as a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to medicine.

Recommended Citation

Silas, Mahima and Toklu, Hale Z. (2026) "Pharmacovigilance as an Act of Awareness and Mindfulness," HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine: Vol. 7: Iss. 5, Article 5.
DOI: 10.36518/2689-0216.2509
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/hcahealthcarejournal/vol7/iss5/5