Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2388

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

Kelly P.
DTC advertising's benefits far outweigh its imperfections.
Health Aff (Millwood) 2004 Jan-Jun; Suppl:
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/reprint/hlthaff.w4.246v1

Abstract:

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) communication about pharmaceutical products enables consumers to take a hands-on interest in their own health care. A growing body of research and expert opinion supports the view that the information presented in DTC communications informs patients’ decision making and leads to more productive physician/patient encounters. Arguments that DTC advertising leads doctors to write unnecessary prescriptions and increases costs are unfounded. Criticism of the practice may also be shortsighted, because outpatient drug treatment can substitute for more costly therapies and hospitalizations. Public debate should focus on making information clear and comprehensible so that consumers can get maximum value.

Keywords:
Publication Types: Comment