Healthy Skepticism Library item: 14447

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

Kyle GJ, Nissen LM, Tett SE.
Pharmaceutical company influences on medication prescribing and their potential impact on quality use of medicines.
J Clin Pharm Ther 2008 Oct; 33:(5):553-9
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121411215/abstract

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Pharmaceuticals are big business, reporting strong market growth year after year. The ‘gatekeepers’ of this market are prescribers of medicines, who are the major target of pharmaceutical companies, utilizing direct and indirect influences. METHODS: This paper draws on previous research investigating pharmaceutical company prescribing influences to develop a qualitative model demonstrating the synergism between commercial influences on prescribing. The generic model was used to explore a realistic but hypothetical scenario to ascertain the applicability of the model. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A generic influence model was developed. The model was readily able to be adapted to reflect a realistic practice scenario. CONCLUSION: Prescriber awareness of the linkages between various seemingly separate marketing techniques could potentially improve medicines usage in an evidence-based practice paradigm