In Brief: Rx-to-OTC switch survey
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Rx-to-OTC switch survey: Approximately 82% of health care professionals polled in a recent survey conducted by The Wirthlin Group said they believe incorrect self-diagnosis among consumers is a "serious" problem, according to a Dec. 19 summary of the study. Of those surveyed, 85% said they have had patients who masked a more serious problem by self-treating. Indigestion and heartburn were mentioned most frequently as the conditions patients thought they had, while the actual problem may have been a heart condition or an ulcer, the study says. Four hundred medical doctors and nurses were surveyed. The study was conducted for Trans World Media of Los Angeles, which said it is producing a documentary on the effects of moving Rx drugs over the counter...