Healthy Skepticism Library item: 3468

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

Stross JK.
Information sources and clinical decisions.
J Gen Intern Med 1987 May-Jun; 2:(3):155-9

Abstract:

This study was undertaken to assess the dissemination of information about the management of chronic airway obstruction (CAO) in small community hospitals. The charts of all patients with CAO discharged from six hospitals were audited at two points in time, 1978 and 1983. In addition, physicians were surveyed to determine what information sources were critical in changing their behavior. Significant changes were seen in the use of diagnostic tests and therapeutic agents. Continuing medical education (CME) played a key role in test ordering, while pharmaceutical manufacturers’ representatives were important sources of information concerning new therapeutic agents. The dissemination of information is a complex process. Physicians frequently use multiple sources of information in the decision making process. Physicians and planners of CME must be aware of what types of educational activities are best suited for their needs.

Keywords:
*analytic survey/United States/hospitals/source of information/sales representatives/primary care doctors/internists (physicians)/continuing medical education/CME/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: DETAILING/PROMOTION AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION: DOCTORS Communication Comparative Study Diagnosis* Diffusion of Innovation Education, Medical, Continuing Humans Information Services* Lung Diseases, Obstructive/diagnosis Periodicals Physicians* Quality of Health Care Questionnaires Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.