> To those in private practice who are distributing
> free formula--
> I'm curious if you have to purchase the formula that
> is given away?  If not, 
> what do the formula donors expect to gain in return?
> 

Good question Linda,

Remember the research survey over freebies and samples
and the pharmiceutical industry? The majority of MDs
felt that other MDs were unethically promoting certain
meds based on the freebies they got from the sales
rep.  But of course they felt that they themselves
were immune from being influenced in such a way.  

Giving free formula is marketing for the formula
company.  Unless the HCP pays for it out of their own
pockets and donates it to their patients.  I sincerely
doubt that is what we're talking about here.

Is it only okay to do formula industry marketing if
the mother is already formula feeding?  What does the
HCP get for marketing formula?  A "free" lunch?  A few
pens?  Calendars?  What????  Does the HCP let the
patients/families know what they have received for
giving out samples of a specific brand?  Does it
really even *matter* if the HCP "gets" anything from
the formula sales rep?

Wouldn't it be reasonable to assume that the HCP feels
"X" brand of formula is better if that is what they
are giving out?  Would you as a health care consumer
feel that the HCP was endorsing a certain med as
better than others if the HCP gave you free samples?

But even that is beside the point.

I think that when it comes down to the bottom line,
the issue is whether a HCP believes formula can cause
harm.  If they believe that formula can cause harm,
how can they in good conscience give a sample of it to
*anyone* regardless of their feeding preference?????? 
Regardless of the patient's financial status????  

The issue is not whether mom can buy formula or can't
afford it or the baby is starving.  The issue is
whether a HCP can ethically hand out something that
they know can cause harm.  The issue is whether a HCP
even *believes* formula can cause harm.

The altruistic arguments are unfortunately not really
relevant for HCPs.  *WHAT??*  Yes, we want to help
people.  No, we do not want babies to starve because
their parents can't afford formula.  

But that *can't* be the issue for a HCP.  The HCP has
to decide whether formula can cause harm.  If they
decide it does(and oodles of research supports this
decision), then they ethically cannot give it out.

Period.

Go Texas.

Regards,

Cindi Swisher, RN, IBCLC


		
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