anaik100
Historically, the drug industry promoted its products to physicians by educating them in their offices or at industry conferences. In the last 10 years, it has become much more commonplace for drug companies to advertise prescription drugs directly to consumers, via television advertising and other media. Some public health advocates have become concerned that patients, encouraged by advertising, may pursue the use of prescription drugs that may be inappropriate for the individual patient or situation. However, since physicians must prescribe these medications, there is no reason for such concern.
Which of the following pieces of information would be most helpful in addressing the concern articulated by the public health advocates?
Methodology:Pre-phrase: How can patients use drugs directly without prescription?
1. If these same prescription drugs or their substitutes are available over the counter (OTC)
2. If patients can influence the doctors to prescribe them one brand over another
Options:A) Certain over-the-counter medications are as effective for many common medical conditions as more powerful nonprescription medications. Has a mention of OTC as substitutes but no direct linkage towards doctors prescribing them. Also, why common medical conditions? Dicey option. Keep on hold and revisit.
B) Prescription medication television advertisements directed at the general public only appear on certain programs and are not seen by many potential consumers. Many is the keyword here. This option would've stood if more definite language like most would've been used. The 'certain programs' could have a ton of viewers.
C) Physicians are also subject to prescription drug advertisements that are directed toward consumers. Irrelevant to the concern.
D) Physicians are not susceptible to pressure from patients in determining appropriate courses of treatment, including drug prescriptions. Bingo! Pre-phrase 2. If you're unsure, negate this option and treat it as a Weaken question. If physicians are susceptible to pressure, they'll prescribe influenced brands. This will be of concern to public health officials.
E) Prescription medicines have been proven to be safe and effective treatments for many patient conditions. Irrelevant. Functions of prescription medicines are none of our concern. Also note the use of 'many', which doesn't quantify anything.
Now that we have a concrete answer in D, read A again and answer the question.
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“There are lies, damned lies, and statistics.”
Saurav