Awareness Survey of Medical Representatives in Relation to Drug Information / 医薬品情報学

ABSTRACT

<b>Objective:</b> Beginning in October 2014 a drug risk management plan (RMP) will be authorized as a condition for drug approval and for this and other reasons the role the medical representatives (MRs) play regarding drug information will become even greater. We therefore decided to conduct drug information awareness surveys of the MRs who visit our hospital.<br><b>Methods:</b> We first conducted a questionnaire survey on RMP, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), and postmarketing surveillance (PMS).　Following the survey we held a seminar for MRs in relation to RMPs, after which we conducted a questionnaire again.<br><b>Results:</b> The surveys revealed that most of the MRs were not actively gathering information provided by the PMDA.　They also revealed that after the seminar their knowledge regarding RMPs had increased and their understanding of the relationship between RMPs and PMS had deepened.<br><b>Conclusion:</b> Considering that the MRs gained a significantly deeper understanding after the seminar, participation by medical institutions, which are the recipients of the information, in the education of MRs can be said to be meaningful as a means of supporting proper information‐providing activities.