BACKGROUND: Research suggests that quantitative information in direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug ads may be helpful for consumers. PURPOSE: The objective was to examine the effect of adding placebo rates and framing to DTC ads. METHODS: In study 1, 2,000 Internet panel members with chronic pain participated in a randomized controlled experiment of DTC ads varying in placebo rate and framing. In study 2, 596 physicians ranked DTC ads varying in placebo rate and framing by how well they conveyed scientific information and their usefulness for patients. RESULTS: In study 1, participants who viewed placebo rates were able to recall them and use them to form certain perceptions. A mixed frame led to lower placebo rate recall and perceived efficacy. In study 2, overall, physicians preferred a placebo/single frame ad. CONCLUSIONS: Adding placebo rates to DTC ads may be useful for consumers. The evidence does not support using a mixed frame.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Research suggests that quantitative information in direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug ads may be helpful for consumers. PURPOSE: The objective was to examine the effect of adding placebo rates and framing to DTC ads. METHODS: In study 1, 2,000 Internet panel members with chronic pain participated in a randomized controlled experiment of DTC ads varying in placebo rate and framing. In study 2, 596 physicians ranked DTC ads varying in placebo rate and framing by how well they conveyed scientific information and their usefulness for patients. RESULTS: In study 1, participants who viewed placebo rates were able to recall them and use them to form certain perceptions. A mixed frame led to lower placebo rate recall and perceived efficacy. In study 2, overall, physicians preferred a placebo/single frame ad. CONCLUSIONS: Adding placebo rates to DTC ads may be useful for consumers. The evidence does not support using a mixed frame.
Authors: Pamela A Williams; Amie C O'Donoghue; Helen W Sullivan; Jessica Fitts Willoughby; Claudia Squire; Sarah Parvanta; Kevin R Betts Journal: Patient Educ Couns Date: 2015-11-05
Authors: Christine Lee; Melanie J McLean; Caroline J Huang; Anh Nguyen Zarndt; Kathryn J Aikin; Paula Rausch; Barbara R Cohen; Janine Delahanty; Danielle M Sholly; Wendy I Slavit; Ewa D Carlton Journal: J Prim Care Community Health Date: 2021 Jan-Dec