Healthy Skepticism Library item: 11924

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

Fitz MM, Homan D, Reddy S, Griffith CH 3rd, Baker E, Simpson KP.
The hidden curriculum: medical students' changing opinions toward the pharmaceutical industry.
Acad Med 2007 Oct; 82:(10):
http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?an=00001888-200710001-00001

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Authorities suggest academic medical centers eliminate conflicts of interest. The authors evaluated medical students’ opinions and knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry.

METHOD: An anonymous 20-item questionnaire was administered to medical students from four different medical schools; 15 items addressed opinions, and five items were free-response knowledge questions. Results were analyzed by Fisher exact test.

RESULTS: Authors received 667 responses from the schools. Sixty-five percent of clinical students believed accepting gifts was appropriate; 28% of preclinical students believed it was appropriate (P < .001). Knowledge was the same for clinical and preclinical students.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinical students were more favorable toward receiving gifts than were preclinical students, yet there was no difference in their knowledge of the industry. Increased formal and informal education about the pharmaceutical industry is necessary during the clinical years.

Keywords:
Publication Types: Multicenter Study MeSH Terms: Competency-Based Education/methods* Conflict of Interest Curriculum* Drug Industry/education* Education, Pharmacy/methods* Educational Measurement Expert Testimony/methods* Humans Questionnaires Schools, Medical Students, Medical/psychology* United States