Healthy Skepticism Library item: 4501

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Guidelines for faculty involvement in commercially supported continuing medical education.
Academic Medicine 1992 Sep 01; 67:(9):616-621

Abstract:

Physicians have a duty to keep pace with developments in science and medicine. CME has evolved to serve this function. Pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers serve a valuable role in underwriting CME, but this carries a risk of promotional bias. Commercial support must not be permitted to bias faculty or conflict with obligations to parent institutions, the profession, or patients. Responsible guidance from the professional community is the best solution; external regulation is less desirable. Six guiding principles can limit bias in CME. 1. CME is for the education of the audience, and by extension their patients, not the benefit of grantors, sponsors, or faculty. 2. CME should be objective and balanced. 3. Assurance of objectivity and balance is the responsibility of sponsors. 4. Factors that can result in bias, e.g. monetary inducements beyond necessary expenses, gifts of more than nominal value, or personal amenities, must be avoided. 5. Selection of speakers, course materials etc. must be entirely the responsibility of sponsors and not subject to approval of grantors. Disclosure of affiliations, sponsorships, honoraria etc. must routinely be made. The responsibilities of grantors or supporters, sponsors or providers, course coordinators or directors, faculty or presenters, and the audience are outlined.

Keywords:
*policy statement & guideline/United States/