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PubMed · 16022612

Pharmaceutical advertisements in prescribing software: an analysis.

Ken J Harvey·Agnes I Vitry·Elizabeth Roughead·Rosalie Aroni·Nicola Ballenden·Ralph Faggotter
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess pharmaceutical advertisements in prescribing software, their adherence to code standards, and the opinions of general practitioners regarding the advertisements. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Content analysis of advertisements displayed by Medical Director version 2.81 (Health Communication Network, Sydney, NSW) in early 2005; thematic analysis of a debate on this topic held on the General Practice Computer Group email forum (GPCG_talk) during December 2004. OUTCOME MEASURES: Placement, frequency and type of advertisements; their compliance with the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct, and the views of GPs. RESULTS: 24 clinical functions in Medical Director contained advertisements. These included 79 different advertisements for 41 prescription products marketed by 17 companies, including one generic manufacturer. 57 of 60 (95%) advertisements making a promotional claim appeared noncompliant with one or more requirements of the Code. 29 contributors, primarily GPs, posted 174 emails to GPCG_talk; there was little support for these advertisements, but some concern that the price of software would increase if they were removed. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that pharmaceutical promotion in prescribing software should be banned, and inclusion of independent therapeutic information be mandated.

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AdvertisingAttitude of Health PersonnelAustraliaCodes of EthicsDrug IndustryDrug Information ServicesDrug PrescriptionsDrug Therapy, Computer-AssistedDrugs, GenericFamily PracticeGuideline AdherenceHealth Care SurveysHumansSoftwareJournal Article

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BibTeXRIS

Ken J Harvey, Agnes I Vitry, Elizabeth Roughead, Rosalie Aroni, Nicola Ballenden, Ralph Faggotter. 2005-07-18. Pharmaceutical advertisements in prescribing software: an analysis.. https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2005.tb06927.x

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