Monday, October 9, 2000
For immediate release
Dr Helen Rodenburg Deputy Chairperson
GPs welcome DTC advertising review
General Practitioners have welcomed the Minister of Health’s decision to review direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising.
Royal NZ College of General Practitioners’ Deputy Chairperson Dr Helen Rodenburg says DTC advertising can be positive,
in that it empowers patients with information “and that certainly reflects the nature of General Practice today – a
partnership between doctor, other health professionals, and the patient.
“But problems arise when the advertising encourages patients to seek medicines which they do not need or which are
unsuitable for their particular situation for a particular reason, such as their potential to interact with other
medications the patient is already on,” Dr Rodenburg explained.
“While GPs aren’t being pressured into prescribing inappropriately because of DTC advertising, demands from a patient
for drugs which are unsuitable can not only damage the doctor-patient relationship, but also detract from the care a GP
is able to give. If half the consultation is spent discussing with a patient why the latest ‘as seen on TV’ product
isn’t for them, then there’s less time to discuss strategies and explain medications which will be beneficial.”
The College intends to make submissions on the matter to the Minister once the discussion document is released next
month.
ends
Contact: Dr Helen Rodenburg (04) 383-6972 or (021) 650-203 or: Rex Widerstrom (04) 496-5962 or (025)
549-637