[Is it pertinent to investigate the relations between physicians and the drug industry]. / Es pertinente investigar las relaciones entre médicos e industria farmacéutica?

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the opinions of physicians on the appropriateness of research into the relationships between doctors and pharmaceutical industry, and to evaluate the usefulness of email survey in this research. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Survey via email of 373 authors of papers published in Spanish medical journals in 2007. The relationships between doctors and the industry was measured by asking doctors what they had received from industry during last year, the value in euro, and the number of visits from industry representatives. RESULTS: The response rate was 28.2%. Most physicians (90.5%) considered the study appropriate. Only 3.2% of doctors refused to take part in the study due to disagreeing with methodology. A total of 92.8% received something from industry during last year (62% cost associated with professional meetings, 60% material for continuing medical education). Mean value of gifts received was 900 euro (60-12,000 euro). By sex, women apparently received more drug samples, and men more payments for consulting or enrolling patients in trials. Doctors practicing in hospitals seemed to receive more gifts than primary care doctors, particularly trips or lunch. Number of visits of industry representatives (from 5 to 10 weekly) was associated with more gifts to doctors. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of doctors agree with the appropriateness of researching into the relationships between doctors and the pharmaceutical industry. Relationships between physicians and industry appear to be intensive, as seen in other studies. Response rate was low, but the simplicity and speed of the method are valuable advantages.

¿Es pertinente investigar las relaciones entre médicos e industria farmacéutica? / No disponible

Fundamento y objetivo: Analizar la opinión de los médicos sobre la pertinencia de investigar las relaciones médico-industria farmacéutica, y explorar la utilidad de la encuesta realizada por correo electrónico. Material y métodos: Encuesta vía correo electrónico a 373 médicos autores de artículos en revistas médicas españolas en 2007. El estudio consta de 5 preguntas adaptadas de una encuesta realizada en EE.UU. con el mismo objetivo. Las variables de la encuesta son: tipo de ayudas que los médicos habían recibido de la industria en el último año, el valor en euros de dichas ayudas, y cuántas visitas recibieron de representantes de la industria. Resultados: La tasa de respuesta fue del 28,2%. El 90,5% de los médicos consideró pertinente el estudio. El 3,2% rechazó participar por desacuerdo con la metodología. El 92,8% afirmó haber recibido algo de la industria en el último año (el 62% inscripción a congresos viajes, el 60% material de formación continuada). Los médicos estimaron en valor medio de lo recibido en 900 € (60-12.000€). Con la cautela debidas a la tasa de respuesta y la muestra de conveniencia, aparecen algunas diferencias por sexo; las mujeres responden que reciben más muestras gratuitas, y los varones más honorarios por trabajo o por incluir pacientes en ensayos. También hay diferencias no significativas por ámbito de trabajo: los médicos de hospitales indican que reciben más ayudas que los de atención primaria, sobre todo viajes a congresos e invitaciones en restaurantes. El número de visitas de representantes (5-10 por semana) se asocia con mayor percepción de ayudas. Conclusiones: La gran mayoría de los médicos que responden a la encuesta consideran adecuado investigar las relaciones entre médicos e industria. Los datos sugieren que la relación entre médicos e industria es intensa, de forma concordante con otros trabajos publicados (AU)

Objective: To analyse the opinions of physicians on the appropriateness of research into the relationships between doctors and pharmaceutical industry, and to evaluate the usefulness of email survey in this research Material and methods: Survey via email of 373 authors of papers published in Spanish medical journals in 2007. The relationships between doctors and the industry was measured by asking doctors what they had received from industry during last year, the value in€, and the number of visits from industry representatives. Results: The response rate was 28.2%. Most physicians (90.5%) considered the study appropriate. Only 3.2% of doctors refused to take part in the study due to disagreeing with methodology. A total of 92.8% received something from industry during last year (62%cost associated with professional meetings, 60% material for continuing medical education). Mean value of gifts received was 900 € (60-12,000 €). By sex, women apparently received more drug samples, and men more payments for consulting or enrolling patients intrials. Doctors practicing in hospitals seemed to receive more gifts than primary care doctors, particularly trips or lunch. Number of visits of industry representatives (from 5 to 10 weekly) was associated with more gifts to doctors. Conclusions: The vast majority of doctors agree with the appropriateness of researching into the relationships between doctors and the pharmaceutical industry. Relationships between physicians and industry appear to be intensive, as seen in other studies. Response rate was low, but the simplicity and speed of the method are valuable advantages (AU)