Drug samples and family practice residents

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pharmacology
• Family Medicine

Background:

• Drug samples are frequently utilized in clinical practice.
• Understanding resident perspectives on drug samples is crucial for effective medical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess family practice residents' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning drug sample utilization.
• To evaluate the educational content provided during residency training on the appropriate use of drug samples.

Main Methods:

• Surveys were administered to residency directors and residents in US family practice programs.
• Data collection involved anonymous, self-administered questionnaires assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to sample use.

Main Results:

• A majority of residency programs (66%) had sample policies, but few (15%) fully aligned with expert recommendations.
• Only 49% of residents felt they received adequate training on sample use during residency, a significant increase from medical school (21%).
• Fifty-five percent of residents believed samples influenced their prescribing, and 70% felt samples aided in learning about new medications.

Conclusions:

• Family practice residents value and actively use drug samples.
• There is a need to enhance educational strategies for the appropriate and effective use of drug samples in residency programs.
• Drug samples significantly influence resident education and prescribing practices.