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Are Prescribers Under the Influence?

Years ago, reports of excesses were common: Lavish gifts and other inducements from drugmakers raised questions about doctors' objectivity. As a result, the relationship between drug companies and physicians came under scrutiny.

Eventually, the American Medical Association and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America adopted policies to keep prescribers and drug companies at arm's length.

But drug companies continue to entice doctors with freebies at medical meetings to listen to a spiel. They give out samples and often generously fund studies that seem intended to preserve market share rather than to contribute new data.

DOC News asked:

Do drug companies have too much influence over the prescribing patterns of physicians?

Sure, the drug companies influence prescribing. They [also] bring a lot of awareness to people asking questions about their heath care needs. What has more influence is definitely the bleeping insurance companies. There are a lot of things we're not going to be able to get, especially in the area of prevention.

I've been a nurse for 31 years, and the biggest disappointment has been the insurance companies. And the government is even worse. Don't get me started on that.

Ivy Radcliff, APN Diabetes Educator Phoenix, Ariz.

Of course they have too much influence. It's all about marketing. We just left a 90-minute session that is supposed to be educational, but it's really just marketing.

Andreas Lueg, MD Endocrinologist Hamelin, Germany

Absolutely, especially at our hospital. We don't give certain kinds of medications because the drug companies give us cheaper breaks on other types. So yes, I believe the drug companies have too much influence. It's an unfair advantage. It doesn't give the patient the best outcome, because what they need to take isn't available.

Tamara Sandlin, RN Carmel, Ind.

It's very true, and it has important implications. And it's probably bad.

Patrick Vexiau, MD Endocrinologist Paris, France

Drug companies have an important role in informing doctors and patients. Sometimes people step over a line, and once in a while you hear about a drug company marketing inappropriately.

John Wahren, MD, PhD Endocrinologist Stockholm, Sweden

TALK BACK: OVERCOMING INERTIA

One of the most frustrating aspects of caring for people with diabetes and obesity is that the effective remedy is so well understood—a proper diet, an adequate level of physical activity, and healthful lifestyle changes. The goal is clear, but like eyeing a distant destination over treacherous terrain, the trick is figuring out how to get there.

Despite the many advances in diabetes treatment, reports continue to emerge about the growing incidence of hyperglycemia and its complications and the escalation in prevalence of diabetes and obesity.

Yet there are bright spots, reports of success from clinics and programs. What makes them work well? How do they overcome inertia, obstacles, and barriers to achieve results that elude others?

What do you think? How do you motivate patients?

Send your comments to docnews{at}diabetes.org.

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Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                What's this?