Physicians’ Perceptions and Behaviors on the Off-Label Drug Prescribing

Abstract

Off-label drug use is not illegal. But due to lack of evidence on efficacy and safety, physicians are expected to be more cautious when they decide to prescribe off-label drugs. This study investigated the perceptions and behaviors of local physicians regarding off-label drug prescribing. We conducted a questionnaire survey to 947 physicians in clinics located in Seoul, of whom 200 (21%) completed the questionnaire. Fifty seven percent of the respondents thought that off-label drug prescribing should not be restricted, and 65% thought that physicians need to avoid off-label prescribing if possible. More than half (58.5%) reported that there are few or no off-label drug prescribing in their practices. The frequency of off-label drug prescribing was associated with the physicians’ perceptions to that. Professional meetings or articles were the most influential information sources for physicians' off-label prescribing. Forty five percent of the respondents expressed concern over the legal accountability of off-label prescribing. This study is the first study to investigate the perceptions and behaviors of off-label drug use among physicians. This study will be used as basic data for management and policy of ‘off-label drug use’.