Physicians'' Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Drug Off-Label Use among Medical Centers in Taipei Area

• Main Authors: Yu-Hui Chen, 陳俞潓
• Other Authors: Wen-Hong Huang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 1999
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/72521770647630700271

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 衛生政策與管理研究所 === 87 === An off-label use of drug is one that fails to conform to the drug labeling which was approved by the regulatory authority. This study only covered the drugs used for indications other than the official approvals. In order to survey the physicians'' knowledge, attitude and practice of drug off-label use, a structured questionnaire was mailed during March ~ May, 1999 to 435 physicians in five specialties of pediatrics, gynecology, dermatology, oncology and family practice among five medical centers in Taipei area. There was a 45.3% response rate with 197 valid respondents. The physicians'' correct response of drugs'' indications was only 51.1%, and the physicians in family practice specialty scored the best. As for the drugs relevant to their specialty, the correct response was 81.0%. Most physicians expressed positive opinions regarding drug off-label uses, but also considered that the regulatory authority should regulate such prescribing behavior. 17.7% of the physicians considered their colleagues usually prescribed drugs for off-label indications. The literature was the most cited information source on the prescribing of drugs off-label uses. The other four sources were inference of pharmacology, experience of colleagues, reference offered by the pharmaceutical firms, and personal experience. 82.2% of the physicians agreed that when prescribing the drug off-label use, the patients should be informed, but only 54.1% of them usually did it. This study further discussed the problems of drug off-label use and the importance of adequate regulations by the health authority.