Healthy Skepticism Library item: 13259

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Andaleeb S, Tallman R.
Relationship of physicians with pharmaceutical sales representatives and pharmaceutical companies
Health Marketing Quarterly 1996; 13:(4):78-89
http://www.haworthpress.com/store/Toc_views.asp?sid=TEDU6HV2D51M9JKMG5EB1C3E9DV4DCU9&TOCName=J026v13n04%5FTOC&desc=Volume%3A%2013%20Issue%3A%204

Abstract:

Physicians were surveyed in Northwestern Pennsylvania to examine how they viewed their relationships with pharmaceutical sales representatives (PSR) and the pharmaceutical industry. Physicians viewed the PSR as an important source of information, but felt that they could get needed information from other sources without the PSR’s assistance. Physicians also had friendly relationships with the PSRs and did not distrust them, but they did not view PSRs as a vital part of their practice. Samples and gifts provided by the pharmaceutical companies were not viewed as vital to gaining access to physicians. However, the financial support the companies provided for continuing medical education was seen as vital. The selling approaches used by PSRs was not considered manipulative, nor were PSRs thought to be perceived negatively by the medical community. A majority of the physicians said they would accept honoraria for delivering lectures to pharmaceutical companies. Twenty-five percent of the responding physicians also owned stock in pharmaceutical companies.