Doctors' prescribing influenced by pharmaceutical company gifts
A new review found that payments, gifts and free meals from pharmaceutical companies may influence doctors' prescribing habits, leading to more prescriptions for expensive, less appropriate drugs.
This matters for patients and healthcare systems, based on a review of existing research.
What was studied
The Cochrane review examined how financial and non-financial incentives from pharmaceutical companies affect prescribing practices.
Findings
The review suggests that such incentives may lead to increased prescriptions for more expensive drugs that are less appropriate for patients.
Common questions
How do pharmaceutical company gifts affect prescribing?
The review suggests that gifts, meals and payments may influence doctors to prescribe more expensive, less appropriate drugs.
What type of study is this?
This is a review of existing research, not a single study or trial.
Sources
- Pharmaceutical company marketing negatively influences prescribing MedicalXpress · medicalxpress.com
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