Personal use of drug samples by physicians and office staff.
BACKGROUND
Pharmaceutical samples are commonly used in ambulatory care settings. There is limited research on their use or impact on health care providers and patients.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the extent of personal use of drug samples over a 1-year period by physicians and medical office staff.


METHODS
An anonymous cross-sectional survey of all physicians, resident physicians, nursing staff, and office staff in a family practice residency.


METHODS
Quantity of drug samples taken for personal or family use.


RESULTS
Of 55 surveys issued, 53 (96%) were returned. A total of 230 separate drug samples were reported taken in amounts ranging from 1 dose to greater than 1 month's supply. Two respondents reported no use of drug samples, while 4 respondents reported taking more than 10 different samples.


CONCLUSIONS
Drug samples are commonly taken by physicians and office staff for personal and family use. The ethical implications of this practice warrant further discussion.
Westfall
J M
JM
Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80220, USA. westfalj@centaur.uhcolorado.edu
McCabe
J
J
Nicholas
R A
RA
D000329:Advertising / Q000639:trends; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000639:trends; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000639:trends; D004989:Ethics; D005194:Family Practice; D037921:Gift Giving; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008503:Medical Staff; D010820:Physicians; D014481:United States