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Survey: Most docs in favor of DTC moratorium

Healthcare Strategist Trend Watch, October 6, 2006

The majority of physicians in a recent survey (80%) said they favor a moratorium on direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising for new drugs. The survey of 1,360 physicians was conducted by Cambridge, MA-based market data firm MedPanel.

The top three benefits of a moratorium, according to participants:

 More time to become familiar with a drug before patients are influenced by advertising

 The ability to maintain control of the physician-patient relationship without interference from advertising

 A lack of trust in pharmaceutical companies

Of the 20% who oppose a mandatory waiting period for advertisements about new drugs, most said consumer drug advertising educates patients and encourages them to seek treatment, and forces physicians to stay up-to-date with new treatment options. Opponents also said that an enforced moratorium would violate pharmaceutical companies' free speech and freedom to operate.

Some physicians who oppose the moratorium still see a need for DTC reform, however. A number of respondents in the minority group expressed frustration with the nature of current ads, or stated that they would favor new DTC advertising guidelines over a moratorium, according to a MedPanel press release.

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