Conflict of Interest in Medical Research, Education, and Practice

Collaborations of physicians and researchers with industry can provide valuable benefits to society, particularly in the translation of basic scientific discoveries to new therapies and products. Recent reports and news stories have, however, documented disturbing examples of relationships and practices that put at risk the integrity of medical research, the objectivity of professional education, the quality of patient care, the soundness of clinical practice guidelines, and the public's trust in medicine.

Conflict of Interest in Medical Research, Education, and Practice provides a comprehensive look at conflict of interest in medicine. It offers principles to inform the design of policies to identify, limit, and manage conflicts of interest without damaging constructive collaboration with industry. It calls for both short-term actions and long-term commitments by institutions and individuals, including leaders of academic medical centers, professional societies, patient advocacy groups, government agencies, and drug, device, and pharmaceutical companies. Failure of the medical community to take convincing action on conflicts of interest invites additional legislative or regulatory measures that may be overly broad or unduly burdensome.

Conflict of Interest in Medical Research, Education, and Practice makes several recommendations for strengthening conflict of interest policies and curbing relationships that create risks with little benefit. The book will serve as an invaluable resource for individuals and organizations committed to high ethical standards in all realms of medicine.

• Front Matter
• Summary
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Principles for Identifying and Assessing Conflicts of Interest
• 3 Policies on Conflict of Interest: Overview and Evidence
• 4 Conflicts of Interest in Biomedical Research
• 5 Conflicts of Interest in Medical Education
• 6 Conflicts of Interest and Medical Practice
• 7 Conflicts of Interest and Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines
• 8 Institutional Conflicts of Interest
• 9 Role of Supporting Organizations
• References
• Appendix A: Study Activities
• Appendix B: U.S. Public Health Service Regulations: Objectivity in Research (42 CFR 50)
• Appendix C: Conflict of Interest in Four Professions: A Comparative Analysis
• Appendix D: How Psychological Research Can Inform Policies for Dealing with Conflicts of Interest in Medicine
• Appendix E: The Pathway from Idea to Regulatory Approval: Examples for Drug Development
• Appendix F: Model for Broader Disclosure
• Appendix G: Committee Biographies
• Index