Healthy Skepticism Library item: 19914

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Publication type: Magazine

Jenkins R
New code clamps down on specialists' treats
Australian Doctor 2006 Apr 287
http://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/new-code-clamps-down-on-specialists--8217;-treats

Full text:

LAVISH events and extravagant trips for specialists courtesy of the medical device industry will be banned as its peak body prepares to launch a revised code of practice.

The Medical Industry Association of Australia (MIAA) code, to be launched in May, gives in-depth guidance on interactions with clinicians. It replaces a three-page document introduced in 2001.

Australian Doctor has been told industry events in recent years included a product launch for cardiac surgeons in Hong Kong that coincided with an international rugby contest, and a golfing tournament for orthopaedic surgeons.

The revised code specifies that medical device manufacturers may pay for occasional hospitality at sales and promotional meetings only in the form of modest meals and receptions that are conducive to the exchange of information”

In addition, if funding a conference, meals, receptions and hospitality shall be modest in value and shall be subordinate in time and focus to the purpose of the conference

”Commentators said the rules would bring the industry in line with the pharmaceutical industrys code of conduct, which imposes tough restrictions on hospitality, including meals, venues and entertainment.

MIAA CEO Mr Brian Vale denied there had been any discrepancy between the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, but said the introduction of the code would dispel such beliefs.
AMA ethics and medicolegal committee chairwoman Dr Rosanna Capolingua said the document brought
the behaviour and the practice more in line with that of the pharmaceutical [industry]”

Royal Australasian College of Physicians ethics convenor Professor Paul Komesaroff said the code was also in keeping with the latest college guidelines on ethical relationships with industry, which for the first time specifically referred to medical device, as well as pharmaceutical, firms. Medicines Australia spokesman Mr Paul Chamberlin said the code would encourage a level playing field”