Patient treatment preference
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Despite beliefs to the contrary, patients will accept physician assurances and recommendations to use OTC treatments for conditions such as viruses, muscle strains and diarrhea, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of Family Practice. Peggy Wagner, PhD, Medical College of Georgia, co-authored the survey of 244 patients in an urban family practice, finding 84% would accept an OTC drug based on their doctor's assurances. Sixty-three percent of participants were women, and most were white. Eighty-four percent, regardless of condition, said they would prefer an "expensive medicine" if prescribed by their doctor; HMO members were more likely to opt for an Rx drug