Answer 3 for HCA 675 Discuss your thoughts and ideas about the newer trend of pharmaceutical and medical supply companies marketing directly to the consumer (e.g., ads about new medications, billboards for new hip and knee implants, etc.)
Answer 3 for HCA 675 Discuss your thoughts and ideas about the newer trend of pharmaceutical and medical supply companies marketing directly to the consumer (e.g., ads about new medications, billboards for new hip and knee implants, etc.)
I personally see many pros to the advertisement of medical supplies and medications, education and awareness to the consumers about these items in any form brings a positive aspect in one taking control in decisions about their health. However, I only agree with the education through advertisement without the use of influencing factors that should not come into play when making a decision about one’s health, for example, the use of celebrities to promote a medical product or medication. I do not believe this type of influence should take part in a person making a decision on taking a medication or using a product. Even if the guidelines set by the FDA are followed in the advertisement in regard to the medication, there is still an influence made by the celebrity involvement in the advertisement, I do not agree that this type of influence has a place in this type of advertisement. “The FDA oversees the advertising of prescription drug products under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and related regulations. That means the agency must ensure that prescription drug information provided by drug firms is truthful, balanced, and accurately communicated. This is accomplished through comprehensive surveillance, enforcement, and education program, and by fostering better communication of labeling and promotional information to both health professionals and consumers” (U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 2015, para. 3).
Benefits seen due to this type of advertisement include providers reporting that patients are asking meaningful questions about medications, medical equipment, and treatments during visits. They are seeing patients becoming more active in their care (U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 2015).
One Con to these types of advertisements, reported by physicians, is that the information does not equally state the benefits and the risks, more information about the benefits is conveyed in the advertisements. Another con physicians reported is that the advertisements make patients believe that the medication works better than they actually work (U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 2015).
After reading this article put out by the FDA, I agree with the pros and cons that were mentioned. Personally, viewing such advertisements for medical equipment and medications, I can understand how and why these pros and cons exist. However, overall, I do believe that the advertisements assist in people becoming knowledgeable and more involved in their care and treatment.
References
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2015). The impact of direct-to-consumer advertising. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-information-consumers/impact-direct-consumer-advertising