Healthy Skepticism Library item: 3243

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

Gouveia WA.
Hospital pharmacy and industry--conflict and collaboration.
Am J Hosp Pharm 1984 Jul; 41:(7):1391-4

Abstract:

Historically the relationship between hospital pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry has been rather placid. More recently it has become far more complex. The goals of American business are profit and growth. The pharmaceutical industry should not be embarrassed to embrace this. Good credible research and educational programs can coexist with profit-centeredness. The role of hospital pharmacists has extended to encompass safe and effective use of drugs in hospitalized patients, as well as research and education. Conflict can occur in several areas. Sales and promotion of drugs must be in balance. Pharmacists must allow full and fair presentation of products, and their evaluation must be based on scientific and promotional literature. There should be a clear separation of sales and promotion from education. Pharmacists and industry are competing for physician attention, and each must recognize the other’s role. In relation to hospital reimbursement, reduction of drug budgets will cause considerable upheaval. Recruitment of pharmacists by industry can cause problems for institutions. Some so-called research grants are unprincipled sales efforts. Areas of potential collaboration include education, product development, and research. The pharmaceutical industry and the pharmacy profession are inextricably linked, and there will always be both areas of conflict and areas of productive collaboration. Greater understanding will serve each of us well.

Keywords:
*analysis/United States/ Conflict (Psychology) Drug Industry/economics* Ethics, Professional* Humans Pharmacists/standards Pharmacy Service, Hospital/economics* Reimbursement Mechanisms Research United States