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Survey began 21 April 2004.
Survey Ended 20 May 2004.

The PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals, which became effective in July 2002, affirms that a sales rep’s primary function is to educate and inform doctors. In pursuit of this function, certain activities are supposed to be forbidden. However, there may be some differences among pharmaceutical companies regarding the interpretation of the Code and how it is applied in practice.

Questions asked:

1. In your opinion, what ACTUAL effect has the Code had on the following activities supporting physician marketing and sales? (Activities: Dine & Dash, Dinner at third-party CME events, Educational & practice related items, Lunch & Learn, Personal gifts to physicians, and Using physicians as consultants)
2. In your opinion, how important are the following activities – permitted by the Code or not – for helping sales reps gain access to physicians?
3. Please estimate how much currently is spent (in dollars) each month by the industry per sales rep on the following activities (see list above).
4. In your opinion, who within the pharmaceutical company, determines the budget for permitted activities such as Lunch & Learn and educational and practice related items?
5. In your opinion, what is the most important consideration when allocating funds for the sales rep's monthly direct to physician budget?