Table 1 Main questions of the semi structured interview

1.

In your opinion, how should the relationship between physicians and PCs be managed, and to what extent does the legislation in this issue follow the right direction?

2.

In the last few years, where there changes in the conduct of PCs and their beneficiaries; what type of changes?

3.

A question to representatives of PCs: In the last few years what actions did you take regarding the relationship between the company and physicians? What does the company intend to do in the future?

4.

In the last two years, has the relationship between physicians and PCs decrease/expand/did not change? Please specify.

5.

In the last two to three years did the characteristics of medical research and conferences you have visited change?

6.

To what extend are the members of the health basket committee involved with technology manufacturers (funding of travel to conferences, lectures, counselors, etc.)?

7.

Are any writers of guidelines related in any way to manufacturers of technologies that are included in these guidelines? How many?

8.

To what extent are decision makers in HMOs (including pharmaceutical services and medical directors, purchase managers) involved with commercial companies or bodies?

9.

Are lecturers at professional conferences given guidance to disclose their relationship with pharmaceutical companies at the beginning of a lecture?

10.

In activities organized by patient organizations in the last year, how much of the activities were funded by the patient organization itself and who was involved in funding the difference between the actual cost of the activities and the sum of money given by the patient organization?

11.

Was there a change in the practice of giving physicians products with PCs’ logos? To what extent was the observed change? Is there employer supervision on this practice?

12.

Was there a change in the characteristics of visit of PCs’ representatives to HMO physicians? Is there supervision in this issue?

13.

Who should supervise the relationship between PCs, physicians and their organizations?

14.

How should the behavior in this relationship be regulated (legislation, self-regulation)?

15.

To what extent should the legislator be involved in the relationship between PCs and physicians?