Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2497

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

Bennett J, Collins J.
The relationship between physicians and the biomedical industries: advice from the Royal College of Physicians.
Clin Med 2002 Jul-Aug; 2:(4):320-2
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12195858

Abstract:

The relationship between a physician and a biomedical firm is often important, and can be useful to both parties. However, there is a danger that the substantial resources available to a biomedical firm might sometimes be used to interfere with a physician’s independent professional judgment. For the reputation and good conduct of the profession and the industry, and for the welfare of patients, it is essential that this does not happen. Total absence of communication would prejudice the undoubted good which collaboration can achieve. This paper sets out what the Royal College of Physicians currently believes are appropriate boundaries: to the acceptance of gifts; to sponsorships and subsidies for meetings; to the conduct of meetings with industry representatives; and other matters. We believe that clearly stated guidance will benefit the biomedical industry and physicians alike.

Keywords:
Biomedical Research Conflict of Interest* Consultants* Drug Industry* Ethics, Medical* Fund Raising Gift Giving Great Britain Humans Interprofessional Relations* Physician's Role* Practice Guidelines *policy statement & guideline United Kingdom physicians relationship between medical profession and industry conflict-of-interest gift giving reciprocal obligation Royal College of Physicians ETHICAL ISSUES IN PROMOTION: GIFT GIVING ETHICAL ISSUES IN PROMOTION: LINKS BETWEEN HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND INDUSTRY SPONSORSHIP: HEALTH PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS