Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2635

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

Maestri E, Furlani G, Suzzi F, Campomori A, Formoso G, Magrini N.
So much time for so little: Italy's pharmaceutical industry and doctors' information needs.
BMJ 2000 Jan 1; 320:(7226):55-6
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/320/7226/55

Abstract:

Two experiences from northern Italy are mentioned. In 1992 eight practitioners in Guastalla recorded an average of 435 visits from representatives of 102 companies spending 58 hours talking time per year. Attempts to reduce this by allocating restricted times did not achieve the desired results. Asking to receive only evidence-based systematic evaluations again resulted in no change except that staff specialists now joined the visits. When companies were asked not to send representatives unless they were invited or had new information, visits stopped. Only 3 out of 102 companies agreed to answer questions. A similar result is reported from practitioners in Imola. Analysis of typical ‘information packages’ found information often flawed, biased, or misleading, protocols of ongoing studies used as evidence of clinical benefits, unpublished data on file quoted as reliable references, pharmacological or molecular effects overemphasised. A suggestion is made that health authorities should arrange a system using dedicated professionals to provide doctors with valid and unbiased information. Interventions of this sort should be included in the current effort by Italy’s health service to produce and implement practice guidelines.

Keywords:
Drug Industry* Drug Information Services* Drug Labeling Family Practice Interprofessional Relations Italy *letter to the editor Italy