If a drug company treats a doctor to a nice lunch and a presentation on their newest products, is prescribing affected? Doctors generally think not, but the research evidence overwhelmingly says yes. And if these events do affect doctors’ decisions on patient care, should we be worried?
An exposé last week described over $32.64 million worth of industry spending on health professionals in Australia over just six months. This included big-ticket items such as a “$134,000 junket to Vancouver for nine dermatologists.”
The response, unsurprisingly, is divided. The Australian Medical Association’s president describes industry-sponsored educational events as “in the best interest of patients.” Medicines Australia, the industry trade association, defends the industry’s role because: “No one knows medicines as well as those who make them.”
On the other hand, the Consumer Health Forum raises concerns that such industry largesse may lead to prescribing that is “not in the best interests of patients.”
What the Research Says
A study by investigative journalism group Pro Publica released in March provides important insights into the influence of industry payments on prescribing. The study combined reports of payments to doctors under the U.S. Sunshine Act with prescribing records.
The more money doctors received, the more brand-name drugs they prescribed. Those who were paid to speak at conferences or sponsored events prescribed more brand-name drugs than those just getting free meals.
Newer, on-patent, brand-name drugs are overwhelmingly the medicines that companies actively promote. And whether patients pay for medicines themselves or have them covered by a public or private insurance, less expensive, equally effective alternatives are often available.
