Healthy Skepticism Library item: 20066

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: Magazine

Clark VA
Why the fuss?
Australian Doctor 2006 Dec 123

Full text:

Editor I have read bits and pieces of the ongoing debate regarding GP prescribing patterns and the influence of pharmaceutical gifts and meals upon such patterns. I find myself wondering why our specialist colleagues are not similarly scrutinized as they fly off in business class to a European or US conference with accommodation and registration included, courtesy of the company manufacturing stents or artificial body parts. Do we all really think more coronary stents or artificial joints are being inserted in the unwitting patient because the proceduralist feels obligated to the pharmaceutical company? A doctor lacking confidence or self esteem that their prescribing could be swayed by a gift they could readily purchase themselves? If so, address the GP issues that allow our colleagues to feel so inferior.

I ceased seeing reps many years ago because their visits represented a lost consultation, but I am prepared to enjoy pharma companies’ sponsorship of meals meals and conferences so I can meet with colleagues and hear the guest speakers I choose to hear.

By all mean scrutinise any third party involvement in the doctor-patient relationship but do not restrict the scrutiny to the lowest end of both the medical income group and the financial gift value.

Anyhow, all the above is futile because the pharmacist and patient usually decide to dispense the cheapest generic brand, so what are you all getting in a tizz about?

Dr Vivienne A Clark
Dublin, SA