"Marketplace" follows academic detailers in Pennsylvania

02/24/2010

Marketplace (American Public Media) takes a look at what some states are doing to combat pharmaceutical sales reps influence on prescribing, and help get doctors the best evidence--without the sales pitch.

Marketplace followed "academic detailers" employed by the state of Pennsylvania as they visit with physicians. The director of the program, which employs 11 academic detailers--often nurses or pharmacists--said the program was small but effective.

"Since the program began in 2005, the doctors who have met with academic detailers have prescribed fewer brand name drugs and fewer drugs overall."

Because of the success of such programs at the state level, development of a federal prescriber education program is underway.

Listen to the full story here. Learn more about prescriber education at the Pew Prescription Project.