The effect on resident attitudes of regulatory policies regarding pharmaceutical representative activities.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect on resident attitudes of policies regarding pharmaceutical representative interactions with residents.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
National sample of U.S. family medicine residencies.


METHODS
Three hundred seventy-eight residents from 14 randomly selected programs. Seven programs had written policies and restrictions (restricted programs), and seven had no such restriction or guideline (free programs).


RESULTS
The authors assessed resident attitudes regarding the perception of benefit from pharmaceutical representative activities, the usefulness of various sources of drug information, and the appropriateness of accepting gifts from a pharmaceutical representative. There were 265/378 respondents (70% response rate). Residents from restricted programs reported fewer benefits from pharmaceutical representative interactions and were less likely to feel that acceptance of gifts was appropriate. The amount of exposure to pharmaceutical representatives was positively correlated with perceived benefit and negatively correlated with ratings of appropriateness of gift acceptance.


CONCLUSIONS
Regulatory policies can influence resident attitudes and perceptions. Training programs should develop written policies to help guide resident-pharmaceutical representative interactions.
Brotzman
G L
GL
Department of Family and Community Medicine-Columbia Program, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Mark
D H
DH
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D004345:Drug Industry; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018570:Risk Assessment