The surveys of physicians and the public on physician-pharmaceutical industry relationships in Japan

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H03920
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 58010:Medical management and medical sociology-related
• Research Institution: Kurume University
• Principal Investigator: Mukohara Kei 久留米大学, その他部局等, 准教授 (90531947)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 医師・製薬企業関係 / 利益相反 / 調査研究 / 一般市民

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In a physician survey, it was revealed that the frequency of doctor-pharmaceutical company interactions decreased between 2008 and 2021, with no significant changes observed in doctors' attitudes. The presence of rules banning meetings with pharmaceutical representatives was found to be associated with a more critical attitude among physicians. In a public survey, it was found that the public is more accepting of gifts from pharmaceutical companies compared to physicians, but they believe that such gifts can influence doctors' prescribing behavior. Moreover, those who believe that doctors accept these gifts have less trust in physicians.

Free Research Field

医学教育

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

社会的問題として様々な議論がある医師・製薬企業関係に関して科学的な問いを立て、客観的データを得ることができた。医師調査の結果からは、医師の態度の変容が起きるには規制や規則などの外発的動機付けが必要であることが示唆された。市民調査からの結果からは、医師が一般市民や患者からの信頼を維持するためには、一般市民や患者の視点を認識し、製薬企業との適切な関係を考えていくことが重要であることが示唆された。