Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6751

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

Hayes L, Mintzes B.
The ties that bind: drug industry sponsorship
HAI-Lights 1997 Jul-Aug; 2:(2-3):1-5

Abstract:

Increased competition for public funds and dwindling budget allocations have put pressure on a number of European and North American patients groups and public health institutions, such as hospitals, to accept pharmaceutical industry support for their work. What are the implications of this trend for the quality of work provided by these organizations? Will it lead towards favouring the company which provides sponsorship? While such funding decisions are not made easily and are sometimes backed by guidelines regarding the use and acknowledgement of such funding, many NGOs feel uneasy about such “partnerships”. In fact, to avoid any possible conflict of interest or loss of independence, HAI member groups have stated that they will not accept industry funding for their work. HAI-Lights takes a closer look at this new promotional tool used with increasing success by industry and its possible consequences for public health.

Keywords:
*analysis/consumer groups/patient groups/corporate funding/conflict of interest/ATTITUDES REGARDING PROMOTION: CONSUMERS/PATIENTS/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: CONSUMERS AND PATIENTS/SPONSORSHIP: PATIENT AND CONSUMER ORGANIZATIONS