ISSN : 0975-9492
CODEN : IJPSQQ





INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMA SCIENCES AND RESEARCH


Open Access

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ABSTRACT

Title : Attitudes Of Medical Students Towards Relationship With Pharmaceutical Company: Do We Need A Change?
Authors : Dr. Shahu Ingole, Dr. Radha Yegnanarayan
Keywords : Medical Students, Pharmaceutical Company, Medical Representatives, Gifts, Attitudes.
Issue Date : February 2011
Abstract :
Purpose: Promotion by pharmaceutical company often takes advantage of mental shortcuts. Significant deficiencies have been found in student’s knowledge about pharmaceutical marketing expenditures, professional ethics and accuracy of drug information. The purpose of study was to assess the attitudes of medical students towards relationship with pharmaceutical companies and drug promotion by them. Methods: To assess the attitudes, a prevalidated questionnaire consisting of 18 questions was designed. Questionnaire was distributed when a series of lectures were scheduled for the entire medical class (253 medical students). Completed questionnaires were collected at the end of the session and analysis was done using statistical methods. Results: Overall 81% of the medical students were of the opinion that pharmaceutical companies should be allowed to interact with them at the college level. About 95% believe that the information given by MRs is reliable and confirmation of the claims is not required (75% students). Overall 68% students believe that drug promotional offers never compromise the decision making of the physicians. About 70% students think that physicians should be compensated with gifts by medical representatives whenever their drugs are prescribed. Conclusion: The medical students are generally not opposed to interact with MR at some point of time or receive gifts from them. Also many students may not be conscious potential subconscious expectations of give-and-take relationship. Perhaps, the insight gained from our study will be used to reinforce the existing teaching curriculum with added emphasis on this issue.
Page(s) : 49-57
ISSN : 0975-9492
Source : Vol. 2, No.2