Conflict of Interest

Definition  “A conflict of interest is a situation in which financial or other personal considerations have the potential to compromise or bias professional judgment and objectivity.” From Columbia University’s Conflict of Interest Policy

A Simpler Definition “Trying to Serve Two Masters” Lauris C. Kaldjian, MD, PhD Director, Program in Biomedical Ethics

A Bit of Background

Perceived Influence of Sales Reps on Prescribing Practices “You” “Other Physicians” Of Principles and Pens: Attitudes and practices of medicine house staff toward pharmaceutical promotions Am J Med 2001;110:551

Statements on Conflicts of Interest from: IOM / AAMC / ABIM  Commonly held belief that small gifts don’t influence behavior is disproved by social science research  C.O.I. is a rampant problem  Disclosure of financial interests is also a myth that incompletely protects patients  Academic Medical Centers must lead the way to abolish gifting practices JAMA 2006; 295:

S.2029 A bill from Senator Grassley  “...amend Social Security Act to provide transparency in the relationship between physicians and manufacturers of drugs, devices, or medical supplies…”

And increasingly … We must also address patient/public perceptions that our activities may convey a potential for conflict of interest

Education Domains  UME  GME  CME Dealing with drug sampling, free meals, etc. Biopharma support for CME

Clinical Practice Drug sampling in Clinics Purchase decision making for medical devices Device consulting – for development & usage

Research  Basic  Clinical  Translational  Entrepreneurial Completeness of disclosure; is disclosure adequate? Intellectual property control & patents

Conflict of Interest Task Force Membership  (N=34)  Broad representation across the College and University Planned Approach  Inventory & Review Existing Policies (local & national)  Make recommendations with a comprehensive policy (across all 3 core missions) Timeline  roughly over 1 year

Comments? Suggestions? Questions?