Healthy Skepticism Library item: 8465

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

Baum C, Rheinstein P.
It is time to change the brief summary?
Pharmaceutical Executive 1981 Nov; 1:34, 36, 38-39

Abstract:

The methodology of an FDA study comparing the effects of 2 different formats of information disclosure for prescription drug advertising on the knowledge of physicians from different geographic regions is described. The formats employed are: the brief summary used in current drug advertising; and the major statement, a shortened summary incorporated into the main body of the ad, instead of extensive prescribing information appearing in a separate section. Studies on the readership and effects of brief summaries on physicians are reviewed. Physician’s reasons for reading or not reading brief summaries and their suggestions for improving the brief summary format are also presented.