[Is it pertinent to investigate the relations between physicians and the drug industry]

To analyse the opinions of physicians on the appropriateness of research into the relationships between doctors and pharmaceutical industry, and to evaluate the usefulness of email survey in this research.

Survey via email of 373 authors of papers published in Spanish medical journals in 2007. The relationships between doctors and the industry was measured by asking doctors what they had received from industry during last year, the value in euro, and the number of visits from industry representatives.

The response rate was 28.2%. Most physicians (90.5%) considered the study appropriate. Only 3.2% of doctors refused to take part in the study due to disagreeing with methodology. A total of 92.8% received something from industry during last year (62% cost associated with professional meetings, 60% material for continuing medical education). Mean value of gifts received was 900 euro (60-12,000 euro). By sex, women apparently received more drug samples, and men more payments for consulting or enrolling patients in trials. Doctors practicing in hospitals seemed to receive more gifts than primary care doctors, particularly trips or lunch. Number of visits of industry representatives (from 5 to 10 weekly) was associated with more gifts to doctors.

The vast majority of doctors agree with the appropriateness of researching into the relationships between doctors and the pharmaceutical industry. Relationships between physicians and industry appear to be intensive, as seen in other studies. Response rate was low, but the simplicity and speed of the method are valuable advantages.