9 Curricula were identified in a literature search for curricula addressing resident-pharmaceutical industry relationship. Lack of experience may make young doctors particular vulnerable to pharmaceutical industry influence. These interactions between doctor and pharmaceutical companies have an impact on doctor knowledge and prescribing practice. The pharmaceutical companies have different and efficient marketing techniques to influence doctors. Residents may be even more influenced when not educated about these threats.
Inconsistency in content (of the curricula), application and evaluation methodology prevents any meaningful synthesis of data
This was the conclusion of a systematic review of the curricula.
The literature search obtained 121 articles, of which 78 did not address relationships between doctors and the pharmaceutical industry. 10 were selected for detailed review. Only 9 could be used and only 8 included an evaluation component of which only 1 included a control group. Only 2 evaluations used a validated outcome instrument, and no studies included longterm follow-up. Modest improvement were noted in residence confidence, knowledge of guidelines.
A lot remains to be done. More curricula with better education are needed. Standardization of evaluation for establishing change in attitude and behaviors are also needed.
T Montague, B., Fortin VI, A.H., Rosenbaum, J. (2008). A systematic review of curricula on relationships between residents and the pharmaceutical industry. Medical Education, 42(3), 301-308. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2007.02998.x
