Journal of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems
Open Access
ISSN: 2376-0419
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 2376-0419
+44 1300 500008
Fadi M Alkhateeb
Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, USA
Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Pharma Care Health Sys
Electronic detailing (e-detailing) has been introduced in the last few years by the pharmaceutical industry as a new communication channel to promote pharmaceutical products to physicians. E-detailing means using digital technology: internet, video conferencing and interactive voice response. There are two types of e-detailing: interactive (virtual) and video. Currently, little is known about what factors influence physicians��? adoption of e-detailing. Studies show that e- detailing has become more influential on physicians��? prescribing behaviors than pharmaceutical sales representatives visits. Many academic and hospital-based practice institutions follow a policy to restrict using e-detailing in their institutions because the information conveyed is selective and may be biased for their product. Other studies have shown that using e-detailing influence requests to add new medications to hospital formularies, increasing the cost of prescribing. Because of the influence of e-detailing on physician prescribing behavior and the varying frequency of adopting e-detailing among physicians, it is important to investigate those factors that influence physicians��? decisions to adopt e-detailing. Moreover, we need to investigate the emerging ethical dilemmas and policy issues in using e-detailing among physicians. The lack of research about these factors results in a lack of clear guidance for policymakers to effectively manage e-detailing.