Approximately 70 percent of off-label prescription is not evidence-based, according to the article. The author suggests off-label prescription is in part driven by pharmaceutical companies’ desire to increase sales and profits. In addition, he notes manufacturers may have incentives to engage in promotion when benefits outweigh potential penalties, though the practice is illegal in this context.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
To improve patient safety, he suggests the Food and Drug Administration begin to regulate off-label prescription practices through supporting a physician reimbursement schema that incentivizes collection of off-label prescription information for each patient. The data could provide important insights into off-label prescription practices, especially considering more than two-thirds of it is not supported by evidence, according to the article.
More Articles on Quality:
Report: 3% of Medication Reconciliation Error Patients Harmed
Study: Engaging Patients May Not Have Safety Benefits
CDC Announces Triumphs for 2013, Goals for 2014
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
