DRUG SAMPLES AND FAMILY-PRACTICE RESIDENTS

OBJECTIVE: To describe residents' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding sample medications and to determine the education provided i n residency training regarding sample use. METHODS: A 6-item survey wa s sent to directors of US family practice residency programs. Resident s of a sample of these programs were sent an anonymous, self-administe red, 21-item questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practic es relating to sample use, Both surveys consisted of initial and follo w-up mailings. RESULTS: The residency directors' survey was returned b y 232 of the 436 residency directors (53%). Although 66% of the progra ms had a policy regarding samples, only 15% of the policies completely incorporated recommendations of the Society of Teachers of Family Med icine. After two mailings, 248 resident responses were received from 4 3 of 47 residencies (92%). Only 21% of respondents thought that they r eceived adequate training about sample use in medical school; this num ber increased to 49% for residency training. Agreement with the adequa te training statement was highest among respondents from residencies t hat had both a sample distribution policy and a pharmacist (p = 0.044) . Fifty-five percent thought that samples influenced their prescribing and 70% thought that samples helped them to learn more about the samp led medication. CONCLUSIONS: Family practice residents value and use s amples, although they are often unaware of the rules governing the lab eling of samples. While reported distribution of samples by residents often is appropriate, education about effective sample use could be im proved. Drug samples play a significant role in residency training.