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Medical student views on interactions with pharmaceutical representatives
Linda Ganzini1, Zunqiu Chen, Dawn Peters
1Portland Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA. linda.ganzini@va.gov
Summary
Most medical students do not value interactions with pharmaceutical representatives (PRs), despite many attending company-sponsored events. This suggests a disconnect between perceived educational benefit and student engagement with the pharmaceutical industry.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Pharmaceutical Industry Influence
Background:
- A proposal to limit pharmaceutical industry influence at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) prompted an examination of student and faculty views.
- Medical students' perspectives on pharmaceutical representatives (PRs) and their interactions were specifically investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess medical students' attitudes towards the pharmaceutical industry and their interactions with pharmaceutical representatives.
- To understand the extent of medical student engagement with pharmaceutical company-sponsored events and materials.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous, web-based survey was distributed to all OHSU medical students in 2007.
- The survey achieved a 59% completion rate and included questions on attitudes towards the pharmaceutical industry and interactions with PRs.
Main Results:
- A small percentage of students (5-7%) viewed PRs as having a significant teaching role or providing useful drug information.
- A majority of clinical students (54%) supported restricting PR presentations, and many acknowledged potential prescribing influence from gifts.
- Despite skepticism, 84% of clinical students attended pharmaceutical company-sponsored events in the past year.
Conclusions:
- Few OHSU medical students perceive significant educational value in interactions with PRs.
- A substantial number of medical students continue to participate in pharmaceutical company-sponsored activities, indicating a persistent engagement despite limited perceived benefit.
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