How to Overcome Barriers in Scientific Communication in Pharmacovigilance

Explore how the science of pharmacovigilance can transform risk communication in the health industry.

Gerardo BetancourtApril 1, 2026
How to Overcome Barriers in Scientific Communication in Pharmacovigilance

Pharmacovigilance faces increasingly complex challenges, especially when it comes to communicating the risks of drug combinations.

In this edition of Scientific Dialectics, we explore how big data and scientific communication can transform the way we understand and mitigate the risks associated with the simultaneous use of multiple drugs. To do so, Leaderlix interviewed QFI Josué Bautista Arteaga, Founder of Pharmacovigilance en Español.



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Josué Bautista is a dedicated professional who has worked for years in the field of pharmacovigilance, focusing on the importance of clear and effective communication of medication-related risks. Bautista firmly believes that risk communication must go beyond simply transmitting information; it must focus on empowering patients to understand the risks and make informed decisions about their health.

Throughout his career, Bautista has led several initiatives to simplify complex medical concepts, making them accessible to the general population. His goal is to ensure that patients not only receive the information they need but also understand and apply it in a way that improves their quality of life. His focus on effective scientific communication not only promotes safe medication use but also contributes to better treatment adherence and more positive health outcomes.

 

 

The Challenge of Scientific Communication in Pharmacovigilance

Scientific communication in the field of pharmacovigilance presents unique challenges. Josué emphasizes the importance of adapting complex information for different audiences, from regulators to health professionals and patients. One of the main objectives of "Pharmacovigilance en Español" is to make this information accessible in Spanish, recognizing that many professionals in Latin America do not feel comfortable receiving information in English.

This effort to translate and contextualize scientific information is crucial to ensure that all actors involved can understand and apply the knowledge in their daily practice. Language is a significant barrier, and Josué has worked to break it down, ensuring that global knowledge in pharmacovigilance reaches the region effectively.

The Challenge of Communicating Risks: From Industry to Patient


One of the most challenging topics in pharmacovigilance is risk communication. Josué points out that although much is said about this topic, there is rarely any in-depth discussion on how to communicate a risk in a way that is truly understandable and relevant to patients.

It is not just about providing information, but about empowering the patient so they can make informed decisions. This approach demonstrates how well-executed scientific communication not only informs but also protects, ensuring that patients use medications safely.

Shoulder to Shoulder for Our Region

Josué has been a strong advocate for collaboration in the Latin American region. In his experience, he has observed that many of the challenges in pharmacovigilance are not due to a lack of willingness but to a lack of access to information and the opportunity to share knowledge. Through "Pharmacovigilance en Español," he has worked to connect professionals from different countries, building consensus and sharing best practices that benefit the entire region.

This collaboration is key to improving patient safety and ensuring that pharmacovigilance in Latin America is on par with global best practices. By bringing together professionals from industry, academia, and regulatory agencies, Josué has contributed to strengthening the pharmacovigilance network in the region.

Refocusing Pharmacovigilance for Health Professionals

Josué proposes a change in narrative in pharmacovigilance: instead of seeing it as a responsibility, it should be understood as a right.

This refocus is crucial for health professionals to more actively adopt pharmacovigilance in their practice. Seeing it as a right implies that doctors and other health professionals have the power and responsibility to ensure they are included in this vital process for patient safety.

This change in perspective can transform the way pharmacovigilance is perceived and practiced, making professionals more involved and, consequently, improving medication safety in the region.

Preparing for the Future: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Pharmacovigilance

Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to transform many fields, including pharmacovigilance. Josué discusses how these technological tools are allowing pharmacovigilance professionals to make decisions that once seemed impossible. However, he also emphasizes the importance of discussing how to integrate these technologies in a way that complements, rather than replaces, human intelligence.

Scientific communication plays a crucial role here, as it is necessary to educate professionals on how to use these new tools effectively, ensuring that AI becomes an ally in pharmacovigilance, not a source of confusion or errors.

The First Virtual Congress of Pharmacovigilance en Español: A Milestone in Scientific Communication

The "Pharmacovigilance en Español" team is organizing their first virtual congress on September 27 and 28. This event is an important milestone in scientific communication within pharmacovigilance, as it will bring together more than 20 professionals from around the world to discuss the challenges and advances in this field.

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With the theme "From Human Intelligence to Artificial Intelligence," the congress will address topics ranging from biosimilar medication safety to the impact of artificial intelligence on pharmacovigilance. This event is not only an opportunity to learn from industry leaders but also to connect with other professionals in the Latin American region who share a commitment to patient safety.

The congress is a unique opportunity for anyone interested in pharmacovigilance and patient safety, and marks an important step in consolidating an active and connected scientific community in Latin America.

The organizing committee, made up of 15 professionals from Latin America, is calling for participation: Carla Valeria Massironi (ARG)-Founder, Carolina Sian (ARG), Veronica Vergara Galván (CHI), Luz Adriana Leguizamón (COL), Betty Duarte Barboza (CRI), Lissette Rodríguez Yebra (CRI), Xiomara Vega Cruz (CRI), María Angélica Mojica Villegas (MEX), Cecilia Beltran Noblega (PER), Gelida Barboza Justiniano (PER), Nathalia Cristina Morales de Paulo (BRA), Lipsi Merchán Aguas (ECU), Mauricio Orna Gamboa (ECU), Fernando Bueno Rebollar (MEX) and Josué Bautista Arteaga (MEX)


 

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