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Market research: stage two - quantitative research report
Informing TGA education and communication activities
Research results: Common misconceptions about the TGA's role
To provide further information on where there are misconceptions about our role, participants were asked whether or not they thought we undertook activities that are not part of our remit.
Consumers
Many consumer participants incorrectly thought the TGA undertakes the activities outlined in Figure 3 below.
Figure 3: Common consumer misconceptions of TGA activities*
Health professionals
Health professionals were also asked whether they thought we undertake these activities that are not part of our role. The high levels of belief that we give clinical advice and regulate food or chemicals is cause for concern, and we have developed targeted educational materials that clarify our role and correct these misconceptions.
Figure 4: Common misconceptions about the TGA's role among health professionals**
*Figure 3 data: Common consumer misconceptions of TGA activities
| Misconception | Not sure | No | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gives clinical advice on medicines, health products or treatments | 33 | 20 | 47 |
| Regulates food or chemicals | 35 | 22 | 43 |
| Is responsible for funding the development of therapeutic goods or reimbursing the cost of therapeutic goods | 40 | 33 | 27 |
**Figure 4 data: Common misconceptions about the TGA's role among health professionals
| Misconception | No | Not sure | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulates food or chemicals | 20 | 32 | 48 |
| Gives clinical advice on medicines, health products or treatments | 27 | 21 | 52 |
| Is responsible for funding the development of therapeutic goods or reimbursing the cost of therapeutic goods | 47 | 34 | 19 |