Healthy Skepticism Library item: 19145

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Publication type: Journal Article

Nissanholtz-Gannot R, Shani S, Shvarts S
The influence of the relationship between physicians and pharmaceutical companies on the patient from the point of view of policy-makers in Israel
Harefuah 2010 Nov; 149:(11):688-92
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21250406

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The relationship between
doctors and pharmaceutical companies
is an integral part of the health
system in Israel and the whole
world. The mutual need for such a
relationship requires us, as a
society, to examine its influence on
the individual and the system as a
whole.

AIM: This research examines the
relationship from the points of view
of the relevant parties within the
health system and outside the health
system (decision-makers).

METHODS: The authors used in-depth
interviews and qualitative research
methods in order to examine and
understand the various positions of
decision-makers.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION: The
position of the decision-makers,
regarding all the aspects of this
relationship, expresses their wishes
and depends on their point of view.
The impact of the relationship
between the doctors and the
pharmaceutical companies was
examined with regard to the
prescription behavior of the doctor.
All the government representatives,
all the physicians’ representatives
and those of the health funds,
believe that the physicians’
prescription behavior is impacted by
the relationship. There are those
who perceive this to be a negative
trend and some doctors believe it to
be a positive trend. With regard to
possible harm to the patient, the
parties believe that the
relationship does not harm the
patient, whereas most of the
government representatives identify
harm to the patients, both on the
economic and health levels. The
authors believe that the “influence”
which exists or could exist on the
part of the pharmaceutical companies
is the main stumbling block in this
relationship, which is expressed in
the decision-makers’ perspective.