Influence of Medical Representative on Knowledge, Attitude & Practice of Medical Practitioners in Private Setup

Objective To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of physicians regarding influence of Medical representatives in private setup. Methods This was a questionnaire based study involving physician doing private practice in Ahmedabad. The questionnaire contained 18 questions, 6 to evaluate knowledge, 7 to assess their attitude and 5 to judge the practice regarding approach of MR and effect on their practice and information they get. Results 89 % doctors said they get some new information from MR but 82 % also believed that MR conceal some facts like major adverse effects (99 %) and rationality (61 %).75 % doctors found some discrepancy between information given by MR and their actual experience in use of the drug.65 % doctors cross checked the information given by MR from internet (80 %), from colleagues (28 %) and from books (78 %).88 % doctors admit that they are offered some kind of gifts like educational gifts (99 %), educational and commercial vouchers (40 %) and offer of lunch and dinner (96 %).64 % doctors believed that reducing this gift and samples could not reduce the actual price of the drug.98 % doctors did not know any ethical guideline for drug promotion by MR. Conclusion Despite good knowledge of issues related to drug promotion by MR, active participation and awareness is must for physicians to reduce irrational drug prescription and also to reduce impact of MR on practice of physician and also make them aware about drug promotion guideline.