Pharmaceutical promotions and trustworthiness on new drug prescribing among physicians in public general hospitals

Objective: The interaction between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry influences physicians’ attitudes and prescribing behaviors. In this regard, physicians’ attitudes towards pharmaceutical promotions and their trustworthiness towards pharmaceutical representatives’ information on new drugs were explored in this study.Methods: The present study was an analysis of a cross-sectional survey of 183 physicians with different job and education hierarchies and from various clinical settings in Erbil-Iraqi Kurdistan in July 2018. The physicians were invited from the public sector, comprising a general, emergency, and pediatric hospital. The information was collected through an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included exposure to marketing activities, motivations to contact pharmaceutical representatives, attitudes towards promotional activities, and trustworthiness of the pharmaceutical representatives’ information on new drugs.Results: Majority of the physicians reported that the information provided by pharmaceutical representatives assisted them in staying up to date or learning about new products (76.5%), but 55.7% of them trusted their medical information. In addition, most of them reported that pharmaceutical representatives prioritized the promotion of their products over patients’ benefits (70.5%). They reported that receiving promotional material and participating in promotional activities have an effect on doctors’ behaviors to prescribe a new drug, including promotional materials (55.2%); medical samples (67.8%); funding of registration costs to conferences (60.1%); participation in industry-funded researches (69.9%); and continuing medical education (69.4%). Receiving promotional materials and participation in promotional activities were considered to be ethical.Conclusions: The present study showed that most of the physicians reported the role of promotional materials and activities on physicians’ behaviors to prescribe new drugs.

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Awareness and Opinions of Research Professionals on India's New Drug and Clinical Trials Regulations: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey Study

JMIR Research Protocols ◽

10.2196/14744 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. e14744

Author(s):

Vishal Vennu ◽

Saurabh Dahiya

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

New Drugs ◽

Survey Study ◽

Multiple Sources ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Google Docs ◽

New Drug ◽

Research Professionals

Background Although several studies have been conducted and several articles have been published on India's new clinical trial regulations, very few have examined the views of investigators and ethics board members regarding modifications to the previous regulations. Overall, they have neglected to find out the opinions of other relevant professionals, such as research assistants, coordinators, associates, and managers. To our knowledge, no study has yet investigated the awareness and opinions of Indian research professionals on the new 2019 regulations. Objective This study aims to describe the awareness and opinions of Indian research professionals on the new drug and clinical trial regulations. Methods In this cross-sectional, Web-based study, we will conduct an open survey for various Indian research professionals. These professionals will be selected randomly using multiple sources. The survey questionnaires, which have already been validated, were developed using the form function in Google docs. A Web link was generated for participants to take the survey. Descriptive statistics will be shown as means and standard deviations for constant variables, whereas certain variables will instead be shown as numbers and percentages. Results The survey was opened in July 2019. Enrollment has already started and will be completed in three months. The results calculations are expected to begin in October 2019. Conclusions The results of the survey are expected to represent the views of research professionals on the new regulations that will support the development of clinical research and the pharmaceutical industry in India. These regulations are expected to help advance clinical trials, help with the approval of new drugs, and enhance ethical norms in the country. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/14744

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Work of Health Educators in a Clinical Setting

Californian Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.32398/cjhp.v4i1.733 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 58-63

Author(s):

Lisa Smith ◽

James F. McKenzie

Keyword(s):

Health Education ◽

Clinical Setting ◽

Clinical Settings ◽

Health Educators ◽

Education Curriculum ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Content Areas ◽

Survey Results

This study examined the task of health educators working in a clinical setting to better understand their roles. The study was designed as a descriptive, cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample of health educators who worked in clinical settings in Indiana and who had a college degree in health education. Forty health educators were contacted and 62% of the subjects participated in the survey. Results indicated most jobs were similar in nature and the health education curriculum studied helped them in the roles they were serving. However, many educators felt there were other content areas of study that would have been helpful to prepare them for working in the clinical setting. A majority of the respondents reported that having Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification was helpful and necessary in their positions.

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Parental self-medication with antibiotics for children promotes antibiotic over-prescribing in clinical settings in China

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control ◽

10.1186/s13756-020-00811-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jiayao Xu ◽

Xiaomin Wang ◽

Kai Sing Sun ◽

Leesa Lin ◽

Xudong Zhou

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Use ◽

Antibiotic Prescribing ◽

Clinical Settings ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prescribing Behavior ◽

The Past ◽

Outpatient Settings ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is one of the most dangerous inappropriate antibiotic use behaviors. This study aims to investigate the impact of parental SMA for children before a consultation on their doctor’s subsequent antibiotic prescribing behavior, including intravenous (IV) antibiotic use in the clinical setting of China. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2017 and April 2018 in three provinces of China. A total of 9526 parents with children aged 0–13 years were investigated. Data from 1275 parents who had self-medicated their children and then visited a doctor in the past month were extracted and analyzed. Results One-third (410) of the studied children had parental SMA before the consultation and 83.9% of them were subsequently prescribed antibiotics by doctors. Children with parental SMA were more likely to be prescribed antibiotics (aOR = 7.79, 95% CI [5.74–10.58]), including IV antibiotics (aOR = 3.05, 95% CI [2.27–4.11]), and both oral and IV antibiotics (aOR = 3.42, 95% CI [2.42–4.84]), than children without parental SMA. Parents with SMA behaviors were more likely to request antibiotics (aOR = 4.05, 95% CI [2.59–6.31]) including IV antibiotics (aOR = 2.58, 95% CI [1.40–4.76]), and be fulfilled by doctors (aOR = 3.22, 95% CI [1.20–8.63]). Conclusions Tailored health education for parents is required in both community and clinical settings to discourage parental SMA for children. The doctors should not prescribe unnecessary antibiotics to reinforce parents’ SMA behaviors. We recommend expanding the current IV antibiotics ban in outpatient settings of China to cover outpatient pediatrics.

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Consumer perceptions of health IT utilization and benefits

JAMIA Open ◽

10.1093/jamiaopen/ooy049 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 99-106 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sue S Feldman ◽

Grishma P Bhavsar ◽

Benjamin L Schooley

Keyword(s):

Conceptual Framework ◽

Health Information ◽

Information Exchange ◽

Medical Information ◽

Health Information Exchange ◽

Consumer Perceptions ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Health It ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this article is to examine consumer perceptions of health information technology (health IT) utilization and benefits through an integrated conceptual framework.Materials and MethodsThis article employs an integrated conceptual framework to examine consumer perceptions of health IT. A consumer survey yielded 1125 completed responses. A factor-based scale was developed for each sub-construct. Bivariate analysis using χ2 tests was performed to determine differences in the percentage of respondents who agreed with each sub-construct based on whether their physician used an electronic health record (EHR) system. Multivariable logistic regression that controlled for demographic characteristics of respondents was performed to determine adjusted odds of agreeing with selected opinions of health information exchange (HIE).ResultsResults indicate that respondents whose physicians used an EHR system were significantly more likely to agree that there was a perceived benefit with HIE and to care provided; that the patient should have control over the record; that they trust the physician and security of the medical information; that they understand the need for HIE, and that HIE must be easy to use.DiscussionThe results suggest that consumers who have experienced the use of one technology in the healthcare setting can recognize the potential benefit of another technology. Race/ethnicity, gender, and education played some role in respondents’ views of EHRs and HIE, more specifically, non-Hispanic African American participants indicated lower levels of trust in HIE when compared with non-Hispanic Whites.ConclusionThis cross-sectional survey indicated that physician use of EHRs significantly increases the odds of consumers’ seeing perceived benefits of HIE and understanding the need for HIE.

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2201Coronary angioplasty patients' preferences for information about treatment risks: a survey study

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz748.0105 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

F Astin ◽

J Stephenson ◽

J Probyn ◽

J Holt ◽

K Marshall ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Information ◽

Significant Proportion ◽

Invasive Procedure ◽

Communication Process ◽

Consent Process ◽

Survey Study ◽

Alternative Treatments ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Treatment Risks

Abstract Background Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is the commonest invasive procedure in cardiology. Before treatment consent must be given. As part of this communication process patients receive information about the risks and benefits of PCI and alternative treatments. Published studies tell us that the amount and quality of the information received by patients undergoing PCI is variable; benefits are often overestimated, risks forgotten and alternative treatments not always considered. Very little is known about patients' preferences for PCI risk information. Aim: To describe patients' preferences for formation about PCI treatment risk as part of the informed consent process Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 350 participants treated with PCI across 10 PCI centres in England. Results Three hundred and twenty six participants completed the survey. Thirty percent of the sample reported needing help to understand written medical information. Fifty-one percent were treated with elective PCI, 75% were male, average age of 66.5 years. Recall and comprehension of PCI information given during the consent process was generally limited; 47% and 61% agreed that patients do not usually understand, or remember, the information given to them respectively. Eighty-eight percent of urgent PCI patients wanted to know about all possible risks compared to 90% of elective cases. Most participants (88% urgent and 94% elective) believed that PCI would reduce their risk of a future heart attack. Conclusion A significant proportion of PCI patients find it difficult to recall or understand information about treatment risks. It is recommended that patients are given health-related information designed to accommodate different health literacy levels in advance of their treatment. Acknowledgement/Funding National Institute for Health Research Research for Patient Benefit Programme Grant Reference Number PB-PG-0712-28089

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Awareness and Opinions of Research Professionals on India's New Drug and Clinical Trials Regulations: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.14744 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Vishal Vennu ◽

Saurabh Dahiya

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

New Drugs ◽

Survey Study ◽

Multiple Sources ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Google Docs ◽

New Drug ◽

Research Professionals

BACKGROUND Although several studies have been conducted and several articles have been published on India's new clinical trial regulations, very few have examined the views of investigators and ethics board members regarding modifications to the previous regulations. Overall, they have neglected to find out the opinions of other relevant professionals, such as research assistants, coordinators, associates, and managers. To our knowledge, no study has yet investigated the awareness and opinions of Indian research professionals on the new 2019 regulations. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the awareness and opinions of Indian research professionals on the new drug and clinical trial regulations. METHODS In this cross-sectional, Web-based study, we will conduct an open survey for various Indian research professionals. These professionals will be selected randomly using multiple sources. The survey questionnaires, which have already been validated, were developed using the form function in Google docs. A Web link was generated for participants to take the survey. Descriptive statistics will be shown as means and standard deviations for constant variables, whereas certain variables will instead be shown as numbers and percentages. RESULTS The survey was opened in July 2019. Enrollment has already started and will be completed in three months. The results calculations are expected to begin in October 2019. CONCLUSIONS The results of the survey are expected to represent the views of research professionals on the new regulations that will support the development of clinical research and the pharmaceutical industry in India. These regulations are expected to help advance clinical trials, help with the approval of new drugs, and enhance ethical norms in the country. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/14744

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Nationwide surveillance for Telmisartan alone or with combination at real world therapy in Indian patients with hypertension (START)

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences ◽

10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20213938 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 3091

Author(s):

Manoj B. Chopda ◽

Sunil G. Gadkar ◽

Yashwanth A. L. ◽

Ravi Kumar L. ◽

Dhammadeep C. Dabhade ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Categorical Data ◽

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers ◽

Real Life ◽

Clinical Settings ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical Practitioners ◽

Prescribing Behaviour ◽

Receptor Blockers ◽

Nationwide Surveillance

Background: Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are amongst the most preferred class of antihypertensive as reported at various evidences or guidelines. However, choice amongst ARBs differs between practicing physicians in real-life scenario. This survey aimed to understand the usage preferences of telmisartan therapy alone and in combination for treating hypertension (HT) among practitioners at various clinical settings in real-life scenario in India.Methods: A cross‑sectional survey was conducted with a pre-validated survey questionnaire consisting of 15 questions pertaining to the telmisartan and its combination usage in HT management. Total 498 registered medical practitioners (mostly physicians and cardiologists) had participated in survey. They were approached for seeking their perception, opinions, and prescribing behaviour. Categorical data was summarized by number (n) and percentage (%) in each category. Data were summarised in frequency tables.Results: Key findings from the data analysed were as follows: Around 20-40% of patients been reported to have co-morbid hypertension and diabetes as reported by the majority of the physicians. Preferred class of drug in patients with hypertension with diabetes reported to be ARB. Around 90.36% of doctors reported that telmisartan was the most preferred ARB in patients with hypertension associated with high cardiovascular risk. Around 90.76% of doctors reported for their preference for telmisartan in patients with hypertension for 24-hr BP control. Around 82.93% of doctors preferred telmisartan in patients with hypertension and stroke/post-MI status.Conclusions: Indian healthcare practitioners prefer telmisartan as the most preferred ARB either alone or in a combination in patients with hypertension, including those with comorbidities.

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Brief report: social media as a tool for scientific updating at the time of COVID pandemic

10.1101/2020.06.12.20127555 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Rita Murri ◽

Francesco Vladimiro Segala ◽

Pierluigi Del Vecchio ◽

Antonella Cingolani ◽

Eleonora Taddei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Medical Information ◽

Rapid Evolution ◽

Age Groups ◽

Daily Practice ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical Specialties ◽

The Face ◽

Use Of Social Media

AbstractIn the face of the rapid evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals on the frontline are in urgent need of frequent updates in the accomplishment of their practice. Hence, clinicians started to search for prompt, valid information on sources parallel to academic journals publications. Aim of this work is to investigate the extent of this phenomenon.We administered an anonymous online cross-sectional survey to 645 Italian clinicians. 369 questionnaires were returned. 19,5% (n=72) of respondents were younger than 30 years-old; 49,3% (n=182) worked in Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine or Respiratory Medicine departments, 11.5% (n=42) in Intensive Care Unit and 7.4% (n=27) were general practitioner. 70% (n=261) of respondents reported that their use of social media to seek medical information increased during the pandemic. 39.3% (n = 145) consistently consulted Facebook groups and 53.1% (n = 196) Whatsapp chats. 47% (n = 174) of respondents reported that information shared on social media had a consistent impact on their daily practice. In the present study, we found no difference in social media usage between age groups or medical specialties.Given the urgent need for scientific update in face of the present health emergency, these findings may help understanding how clinicians access new evidences and implement them in their daily practice.

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Health-Seeking Influence Reflected by Online Health-Related Messages Received on Social Media: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.5989 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Rahila Iftikhar ◽

Bahaa Abaalkhail

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Social Media ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Medical Information ◽

Significant Proportion ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Related Information ◽

Health Related

BACKGROUND Major social networking platforms, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter, have become popular means through which people share health-related information, irrespective of whether messages disseminated through these channels are authentic. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the demographic characteristics of patients that may demonstrate their attitudes toward medical information shared on social media networks. Second, we address how information found through social media affects the way people deal with their health. Third, we examine whether patients initiate or alter/discontinue their medications based on information derived from social media. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey between April and June 2015 on patients attending outpatient clinics at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patients who used social media (Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter) were included. We designed a questionnaire with closed-ended and multiple-choice questions to assess the type of social media platforms patients used and whether information received on these platforms influenced their health care decisions. We used chi-square test to establish the relationship between categorical variables. RESULTS Of the 442 patients who filled in the questionnaires, 401 used Facebook, WhatsApp, or Twitter. The majority of respondents (89.8%, 397/442) used WhatsApp, followed by Facebook (58.6%, 259/442) and Twitter (42.3%, 187/442). In most cases, respondents received health-related messages from WhatsApp and approximately 42.6% (171/401) reported ever stopping treatment as advised on a social media platform. A significantly higher proportion of patients without heart disease (P=.001) and obese persons (P=.01) checked the authenticity of information received on social media. Social media messages influenced decision making among patients without heart disease (P=.04). Respondents without heart disease (P=.001) and obese persons (P=.01) were more likely to discuss health-related information received on social media channels with a health care professional. A significant proportion of WhatsApp users reported that health-related information received on this platform influenced decisions regarding their family’s health care (P=.001). Respondents’ decisions regarding family health care were more likely to be influenced when they used two or all three types of platforms (P=.003). CONCLUSIONS Health education in the digital era needs to be accurate, evidence-based, and regulated. As technologies continue to evolve, we must be equipped to face the challenges it brings with it.

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Underage Adolescents’ Reactions to Adverts for Beer and Spirit Brands and Associations with Higher Risk Drinking and Susceptibility to Drink: A Cross-Sectional Study in the UK

Alcohol and Alcoholism ◽

10.1093/alcalc/agab018 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

S Boniface ◽

N Critchlow ◽

K Severi ◽

A M MacKintosh ◽

L Hooper ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Factual Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Alcohol Advertising ◽

Alcohol Marketing ◽

Marketing Activities ◽

Logistic Regressions ◽

The Uk

Abstract Aims In the UK, adolescents under the minimum legal purchasing age (<18 years) are aware of a variety of alcohol marketing activities. It is therefore important to examine how such marketing appeals and how it might shape consumption. This study assessed the relationships between positive reactions to alcohol adverts and susceptibility to drink among never drinkers and higher-risk drinking among current drinkers. Methods Online cross-sectional survey of 11–17 year olds (n = 2582) in the UK. Adolescents were shown three video alcohol adverts (Fosters Radler/Haig Club Clubman/Smirnoff). Reactions to each were measured by eight scale-items (e.g. 1 = makes [Brand] seem unappealing to 5 = makes [Brand] seem appealing), which were combined into a composite score (coded: positive versus other). Logistic regressions assessed associations between overall positive advert reactions and drinking behaviours. Results Half of adolescents had overall positive reactions to the Smirnoff (52%) and Fosters (53%) adverts, and a third (34%) had a positive reaction to the Haig Club advert. Across all three adverts, positive reactions were associated with ~1.5 times increased odds of being susceptible to drink among never drinkers. Among current drinkers, positive reactions to the Foster’s Radler and Haig Club adverts were associated with around 1.4 times increased odds of being a higher-risk drinker. Conclusions These alcohol advertisements commonly appealed to underage adolescents, and these reactions were associated with susceptibility among never drinkers and higher-risk consumption among current drinkers. Regulatory consideration should be given to what messages are permitted in alcohol advertising, including international alternatives (e.g. only factual information).

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