Drug firm events linked to changes in prescribing habits

Article Abstract:

A Scott-Levin Associates Inc survey indicates that many physicians attending pharmaceutical manufacturer-sponsored events, such as continuing medical education (CME) events, tend to prescribe the sponsor's product more frequently following the event than they had before. The Food and Drug Administration is concerned that pharmaceutical companies use CME events to promote their products inappropriately. A task force of medical associations and drug companies is meeting to develop rules to self-regulate CME events before the government initiates an overview.

Drugs, proprietaries, and sundries, Research, Pharmaceutical industry, Marketing, Prescription writing

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Survey studies doctor autonomy, control in groups

Article Abstract:

Physicians have less control over group activities in large group practices than they do in small ones, according to a survey by the American Medical Association. The most common limits were the use of practice parameters, formal peer reviews, and hospital stay guidelines. Administrators were more likely to participate in decisions at larger group practices. These included such matters as fee setting and buying health insurance and reference materials. Committees composed of physicians typically made other decisions regarding the group practice.

Group medical practice

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Disclosure of Rx drug records raises concerns

Article Abstract:

Data collection companies are offering physicians rewards for releasing information on patients' use of prescription drugs, and the AMA Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs has issued a statement declaring the practice ethically suspect. In addition, Rep Fortney H. Stark, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Health, has proposed a bill to guarantee the confidentiality of patient records. Physicians are not permitted to accept valuable gifts, such as the computers and services offered by the data collection companies.

Standards, Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations, Ethical aspects, Confidential communications, Physician-patient privilege, American Medical Association. Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs

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