Prescription for Change: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey on How Physicians' Relationships with Pharma Reps Are...

Japan, the world's third-largest pharmaceutical market, introduced new guidelines in 2019 to address ethical concerns in pharmaceutical company-physician relationships. This study aimed to analyze Japanese physicians' attitudes toward these strengthened regulations.

An online survey of 1,203 Japanese physicians was conducted in November 2019. Respondents were categorized based on their frequency of interaction with pharmaceutical companies: frequent (82, 6.8%), moderate (930, 77.3%), or rare (191, 15.9%). The survey assessed awareness of the new guidelines, perceived changes in promotional activities, and attitudes toward stricter regulations. Multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with opposition to the regulations.

A total of 640 (53.3%) respondents opposed stricter regulations, while 325 (27.1%) were in favor. Physicians with frequent (adjusted Incidence Rate Ratio [aIRR] 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-2.10) or moderate (aIRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.24-1.89) interactions were more likely to oppose regulations compared with those with rare interactions. Hospital directors/managers, those affiliated with private institutions, and recent graduates also showed higher opposition. The main reason for favoring regulations was to promote healthy industry relationships (38, 9.3%), while the primary concern among those opposed was related to information gathering or potential patient disadvantages (88, 21.6%).

The study reveals diverse views on industry-physician relations in Japan. Frequent interactions and leadership roles correlate with opposition to stricter regulations. The results suggest a need for balanced policies that consider varied perspectives.