Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2980

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

Binns TB, Smith A.
Medical representatives.
Br Med J 1979 Apr 28; 1:(6171):1134-5

Abstract:

A recent survey indicated that 97% of general practitioners saw representatives and on average they had seen about five in the previous month. Doctors can expect sales representatives to be highly competent on their products and to give a good, clear presentation. Representatives will not be unbiased and doctors should not expect them to say anything directly contrary to the firm’s interests. Doctors should not adopt a drug simply on the basis of an interview with a representative but they should use him or her as one source of information.

Keywords:
analysis/United Kingdom/primary care doctors/sales representatives/source of information Communication* Drug Industry* Great Britain Interprofessional Relations Physicians, Family