The influence of pharmaceutical company sponsored educational programs, promotions and gifts on the self-reported prescribing beliefs and practices of certified nurse practitioners in three states

The influence of pharmaceutical industry sponsored education, promotions and gifts on the prescribing practices of physicians and medical students has been well documented in the literature (Avorn et al., 1982; Curcura, 1999; Gonul et al., 2001; Stolberg & Gerth, 2000; Wazana, 2000). Nurse practitioners also prescribe pharmaceutical products for their patients. However, the effect of corporate promotions on the prescribing practices of nurse practitioners has not been assessed. This quantitative, descriptive study investigated the relationship between pharmaceutical company sponsored educational programs, promotions and gifts and the self-reported prescribing beliefs and practices of certified nurse practitioners.; This study utilized a survey type questionnaire to ascertain the self-reported prescribing beliefs and practices of NPs after encountering pharmaceutical company sponsored educational programs, sales visits, promotional products, or gifts. A survey was developed, piloted, and sent to nationally certified nurse practitioners in three states. A 56% response rate was obtained.; Data demonstrate that nurse practitioners practice is influenced by their interactions with pharmaceutical companies (p < 0.05) yet, like their physician counterparts, some NPs do not recognize the influence pharmaceutical companies have on their prescribing practice. NPs value pharmaceutical interactions and recognize the benefits accrued including: increased access to medications for patients, education opportunities for NPs, educational resources for patients and potentially, increasing opportunities for NP-pharmaceutical company cooperation in education and research. However, the practicing nurse practitioner needs to be able to recognize and acknowledge the influence of pharmaceutical company promotions in order to utilize the information appropriately. Nurse practitioners need to become critical users of pharmaceutical company services. They need to be aware and understand the influence pharmaceutical companies may exert on their prescribing practices. Professional nursing organizations need to develop position statements on NP-pharmaceutical company interaction, and educators need to integrate pharmaceutical marketing and influence issues into the curriculum.