Educating Health Professionals about Drug and Device Promotion
Author Information
Author(s): Peter R. Mansfield, Joel Lexchin, Leana S. Wen, Luisella Grandori, Christopher P. McCoy, Jerome R. Hoffman, Joana Ramos, Jon N. Jureidini
Primary Institution: Healthy Skepticism Inc.
Hypothesis
Implementing our recommendations will lead to improved health-care outcomes and earn increased public trust in the ability of health professionals to provide optimal treatment.
Conclusion
The recommendations for educating health professionals about drug and device promotion are necessary to mitigate the adverse influence of such promotions.
Supporting Evidence
- Misleading promotion can be a major threat to health.
- Education for health professionals should not be funded by companies promoting drugs or devices.
- Exposure to pharmaceutical promotion correlates with inappropriate use of pharmaceuticals.
- Health professionals have a professional responsibility to avoid drug and device promotion.
Takeaway
This study suggests that health professionals need better education on how drug and device promotions can mislead them, so they can make better decisions for their patients.
Methodology
The recommendations were produced through an iterative email discussion among representatives of four advocacy organizations.
Potential Biases
The authors are affiliated with organizations that may benefit from the implementation of these recommendations.
Limitations
There is little published evidence on the effects of promotion on health professionals other than medical students and physicians.
Participant Demographics
Representatives from four advocacy organizations participated in the discussion.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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