Direct-To-Consumer Internet Promotion Of Robotic Prostatectomy Exhibits Varying Quality Of Information

• DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2011.0329
• Publication Date: 2012-04-09T20:03:27Z
• Authors: Joshua N. Mirkin; William T. Lowrance; Andrew H. Feifer; John P. Mulhall; James E. Eastham; Elena B. Elkin
• Keywords: Promotion (chess)

Robotic surgery to remove a cancerous prostate has become popular treatment. Internet marketing of this provides an intriguing case study direct-to-consumer promotions medical devices, which are more loosely regulated than pharmaceutical promotions. We investigated whether the claims made in online robotic prostatectomy were consistent with evidence from comparative effectiveness studies. After performing search and cross-sectional analysis websites that mentioned procedure, we found many sites claimed benefits unsupported by 42 percent failed mention risks. Most published hospitals physicians, public may regard as objective pages manufacturers. Unbalanced information inappropriately raise patients’ expectations. Increasing enforcement regulation be beyond capabilities federal authorities. Thus, most feasible solution for government societies promote production balanced educational material.