Etude des pratiques des délégués médicaux et de la qualité des informations fournies aux agents de santé lors des visites de promotion des produits de santé à Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction: The accuracy, reliability, and quality of pharmacotherapeutic information provided by medical visitors to health workers contribute to better patient care. This study aimed to analyze the practices of medical sales representatives and the quality of information provided to health workers during health product promotion visits.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved medical visitors to the Commune of Ouagadougou and their tools for promoting health products. The survey was conducted at health facilities using observation grids. Data were compiled and analyzed using the Sphynx V software.

Results: The medical visit was unannounced by 75.0% of the medical visitors with information media, more than 60% of whom had content that did not always comply with the regulations in force. Nonconformities were found in more than 50% of the documentary materials. In addition, medical representatives often failed to mention certain mandatory pharmacotherapy information. Several promotional techniques, such as giving away free medical samples, gadgets, snacks, vouchers, organizing coffee breaks, and bonus sample campaigns, were not in line with good practice.

Conclusion: The promotion practices of medical representatives did not comply with regulations. Controls and measures should be implemented to provide high-quality medical information for the benefit of health workers.