Healthy Skepticism Library item: 15009

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

Krumholz HM, Ross JS.
Relationships with the drug industry: More regulation, greater transparency
BMJ. 2009 Feb 3; 338:
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/338/feb03_2/b211

Abstract:

The relationship between the drug industry, academia, healthcare professionals, and patients is widely held to be at an all time low, and it is in the interests of all parties to improve it. A recent report from the Royal College of Physicians gives 42 recommendations aimed at forging a more productive partnership with industry. Here we set out five views on what the ideal relationship between industry and prescribers and patients should be and what steps need to be taken to achieve it.

Full text:

The relationship between drug and device companies, the medical profession, and the public is at a critical juncture. Individuals who have placed their interests in profit and influence over patients and public health have overshadowed much of the good work and reputations of those who have engaged in constructive interaction.1 As a result, public perception of the drug industry, doctors and scientists is at an historic low.2 3 The public is well served when industry, clinicians, and academicians work together for the common good, generating new knowledge and ensuring appropriate and rapid dissemination of effective products to save lives and improve quality of life. To restore the public’s trust we must set a path forward that encourages ethical collaboration and discourages activities by industry, researchers, or practising doctors that are largely self serving or place financial benefit above patients and the public good. Setting explicit standards of conduct for interactions between . . .