Evaluating The Relationship Between Pharmaceutical Reps And Physicians
By Dr. Brian McDonough
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Conflict-of-interest, policies now restrict interactions between drug sales representatives and doctors and it is a good idea because it helps make certain that doctors make patient care decisions in the best interest of the patient alone.
But there is disturbing news from University of California, San Francisco where a review of 15 studies showed that non-physicians such as nurses, physician assistants and pharmacists continue to receive gifts and free meals from the industry.
The concept of reducing gifts has been helpful at the very least from a standpoint of perception when it comes to physicians and the thought is that as medical care becomes more collaborative involving health professionals from various medical groups that similar steps are taken.
