Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9370

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

Physicians say direct-to-consumer advertising affects patient behavior.
Am J Hosp Pharm. 1993 Jul; 50:(7):1329

Abstract:

The results of a recent market survey of approximately 2000 consumers and 3700 U.S. physicians representing 14 specialty groups on direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of prescription drug products are presented. Physicians responding to the survey on DTC advertising noted some changes in patient behavior. Physicians reported that patients are talking more about prescription drugs and bringing in drug advertisements. Although 56% of physicians surveyed were opposed to DTC advertising, many believed that patients are motivated to comply with the treatment regimen much more closely when using a drug that they had requested.

Keywords:
Advertising* Behavior* Humans Patients/psychology* Physicians/psychology Prescriptions, Drug* United States