Structured approach to pharmaceutical representatives. Family medicine residency program.
OBJECTIVE
Family medicine residents frequently interact with pharmaceutical sales representatives (PSRs) during their medical training; the literature indicates that these meetings affect future prescribing habits. We needed to develop a structured approach to PSR visits because our program did not provide residents with a consistent experience in dealing with PSRs.


OBJECTIVE
To develop a structured approach to PSR visits that would permit residents to better understand the role of PSRs and to gain more from their interactions with PSRs in the future.


METHODS
First-year family medicine residents at an academic teaching unit in Edmonton were surveyed on their knowledge and attitude to PSRs and then given a 1-hour educational seminar and five structured visits from PSRs. Following each PSR presentation, residents completed an evaluation form and discussed the interaction with their preceptors.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe that a structured educational program is better than a written policy restricting interactions between PSRs and residents for providing residents with an understanding of the role of PSRs and making them better prepared for future contact.
Kelcher
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S
Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton. skelcher@pharmacy.ualberta.ca
Brownoff
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R
Meadows
L M
LM
D000416:Alberta; D003132:Commerce; D004345:Drug Industry; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007400:Interprofessional Relations