Healthy Skepticism Library item: 15499

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

Spence D.
From the Frontline: Pride and prejudice
BMJ. 2009 Apr 22; 338:
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/338/apr22_1/b1632

Abstract:

The mind’s inner eye struggles with the ageing reality in the mirror. For we are products of our time and end up as just rusting outdated models. Attempts to revamp our image with skinny jeans and haircuts are always an embarrassing disaster, so we revert to form: same haircut, same newspapers, same choices in restaurants, same music, and drunken conversations at 3 am. Likewise it is hard to change opinions forged in our youth, for these are based more on emotion than reason. Thankfully most of us have insight into these weaknesses. It is not, therefore, the prejudiced that I am weary of but those who claim to be without prejudice.

Can we change doctors’ opinions about relations with the drug industry? A new online training programme, called Pharmalyzer (“Are you prescribing under the influence?”), attempts to do just this (http://pharmedout.org). The module runs through the techniques the . . .