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MedPanel Releases HRT Study Results
Survey Shows Doctors Have Drastically Changed Prescribing Habits in Past Year
Cambridge, MA (December 12, 2002) MedPanel, a Cambridge based medical research and communications firm, recently released the results of a comprehensive study on hormone replacement therapy. The study showed that patients were highly concerned about recent HRT news and were actively researching and discussing options with physicians. Doctors are listening to patients' concerns and requests and are drastically changing their prescription habits based on patient input and physician knowledge of recent research.
In order to fully explore the issue, MedPanel conducted a 3-part study on the HRT combination therapy of estrogen and progestin. The study included a physician discussion panel and physician survey, as well as a patient discussion panel. All research was performed online using MedPanel's patented technology.
The survey reported doctors were reducing the number of HRT prescriptions for postmenopausal women from 52% in 2001 to just 12% in 2002. Almost all the physicians surveyed (96%) stated the Women's Health Initiative study was the major influencing factor on the reduction of HRT treatments. Many of the physicians (80%) cited the change in treatment was due to a combination of doctor and patient concerns.
When physicians were polled on certain health issues: 38% were concerned about an increased risk in breast cancer; 44% were concerned about increased risk of stroke while on HRT; 50% were concerned about an increase risk of pulmonary embolism.
As for future prescriptions of combination therapy HRT, 38% would continue to recommend HRT for women with no preexisting cardiac or breast cancer risks, and an overwhelming 80% will continue to prescribe HRT for controlling vasomotor symptoms. Few doctors (6%) stated they would continue to prescribe HRT as they had in the past, while 4% of doctors stated they would discontinue use of HRT.
The major findings from the discussions included:
•All physician panelists reported high levels of concern, interest, and confusion on the part of their patients in response to recent findings regarding the association between combined HRT and breast cancer/cardiovascular risk. The majority of panelists reported that large numbers of their patients on combined HRT, up to 80% in some practices, have discontinued therapy.
•Although most physician panelists no longer prescribe HRT for osteoporosis or cardiovascular protection, it is still considered the preferred therapy for menopausal symptoms. All panelists felt strongly that the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks for menopausal or perimenopausal women with serious symptoms and negative risk factors for breast cancer/cardiovascular events.
•Physician panelists did not believe that data on HRT and Alzheimer's were convincing enough to warrant the use of HRT for improvement of cognitive functioning.
•Physician panelists noted that discussion with their patients regarding "natural" alternatives has increased dramatically.
•Some patients with severe physical and emotional side effects of menopause, choose to continue HRT knowing full well the risks. One patient describes her reason for continuing treatment, "I've read it [HRT research] all . Listened to my gyno... I have weighed the pros and cons over and over. I have talked to my children, hubby, and other women…it boiled down to what do you want. I would rather have a whole lot of the way I am now than years and years of the person I was before."
For the full report, please contact Erin Sheehan, erin.sheehan@medpanel.com, 617-661-8080 x29.
About MedPanel
MedPanel provides qualitative and quantitative research, high-impact marketing methodologies, and medical market trend analysis to clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. These services provide companies with an economical and rapid method of obtaining valued opinions and comprehensive research. MedPanel specializes in thought leader access, and has a database of over 2000 medical experts in virtually all therapeutic specialties in the US and abroad.
Contact: Erin Sheehan 617-661-8080 x29
www.MedPanel.com