Drug companies want to inform patients
BMJ 2003; 326 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.326.7402.1286-a (Published 12 June 2003) Cite this as: BMJ 2003;326:1286
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Quote from Cardiff GP 'if I told my patients what the side effects
of drugs might be - they would never take them'
Another from a partner in the same practice in response to woman who had
declined use of HRT after researching the pros and cons in her particular
case (in irritated voice )'we like woman to take HRT here'. That was the
level of discussion and information giving in the 21st century.
In another quite deprived area of Cardiff another GP made fun of people
who come into the surgery with information from the net etc and stated
that thank goodness in his part of the city people leave decisions to
doctors and just do as they are advised. There is still a long way to go
but it does not all depend on whether the person is highly educated. Many
of those who live in deprived circumstances have learned thay need to be
tough, assertive advocates for themselves and others, many have formed
self help and action groups and take part in consultation excercises which
inform policies in the area. It is vital that no group is stereotyped so
an extent that they are deemed to need others to speak for them. Where
there is a will for inclusion a way can be found with the help of drug
companies which have the funding, expertise and knowledge about drugs as
well as other partners.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests
Patients as healthcare consumers
Patients have always tried to obtain information on their condition.
The difference is the number of sources available nowadays. They can
easily browse the internet and get extensive information from uncertified
sites. It will be in the best interest of patients to build sites with
accredited information with the help of the industry.
It is a matter of accepting that we are already in the 21st century!
Competing interests:
Worked for MSD and Schering
Competing interests: No competing interests