Healthy Skepticism Library item: 3659

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

Abate MA, Jacknowitz AI, Shumway JM.
Information sources utilized by private practice and university physicians
Drug Information Journal 1989; 23:304-319

Abstract:

A survey of 106 private practice and university-based West Virginia physicians was undertaken to ascertain their use of drug information sources. An overall response rate of 53% was obtained. Physicians had a mean of 3.3 drug information questions daily and spent approximately 16 minutes in finding the answers to these questions. The Physicians’ Desk Reference was the most frequently used information source, especially by physicians in private practice settings. Pharmaceutical manufacturers’ promotional literature and sales representatives were used significantly more often in private practice settings; colleagues, journals, and pharmacists were used to a similar extent at both sites. The hospital library was infrequently used by all respondents. A continued reliance on commercial information sources exists, in spite of the ever increasing availability of alternative noncommercial sources.

Keywords:
*analytic survey/United States/doctors/source of information/Physicians’ Desk Reference/PDR/sales representatives/promotional literature/PROMOTION AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION: DOCTORS/PROMOTIONAL TECHNIQUES: DETAILING