Physician prescribing practices: the role of patient preference in the selection of nasal steroids.

A telephone survey of 100 primary care physicians was performed to assess the awareness of the influence patient preference, patient satisfaction, and other factors have on the selection of nasal steroids for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Results indicated that physicians believe drug efficacy is the primary reason why one product is chosen over another, while sensory attributes are the next most important criteria for distinguishing among products. Physicians agree that patients would prefer a preparation that has no odor or aftertaste and that patients are willing to switch products if their physicians recommend that they do so.